Given upfront cost is still real money for most households, this is a fair question to ask honestly rather than assume the answer.
Most households recoup their investment within 18 months to 3 years through ECG savings and avoided generator costs, then keep the savings for the remaining 20+ years of panel life.
Households with frequent outages, high ECG bills, or existing generator dependence see the fastest payback. Light users with already-low bills see a longer, but still positive, return.
Related: Savings Guide · Cost Guide