Is Solar Worth It If You’re Over 60? Here’s What to Consider
Even in your 60s, 70s, or beyond, solar can still be a smart move — if the numbers make sense.
My dad is 82. A few months ago, he asked me point-blank:
“Is it even worth getting solar at my age?”
For him? Probably not.
But for someone who’s 60? Absolutely — or at least, probably.
This is a question we hear often at Viva Energy, especially from older homeowners thinking about retirement, rising utility costs, and long-term investments. Let’s break it down.
Age Isn’t the Dealbreaker — But Payback Period Is
The real question isn’t how old you are. It’s how long you plan to stay in your home — and how much you’re paying for electricity right now.
In most parts of California, solar systems still pay for themselves in 6 to 9 years. So if you’re 60 and plan to stay in your home for 15+ more years, it’s a no-brainer. If you’re 82 and planning to move or downsize soon, that’s a different equation.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Age | Still Makes Sense? | Why or Why Not |
|---|---|---|
| 60–69 | ✅ Likely Yes | Plenty of time for payback + high utility savings |
| 70–79 | 🤔 Depends | Still can be worth it if you’re staying put |
| 80+ | ❌ Often No | May not hit breakeven, especially with low usage |
Boomers Own the Homes — and They’re Asking the Right Questions
Boomers own the largest share of homes in California, and many are asking if solar is still a smart move. These are homeowners who often bought in the 80s or 90s, have paid off their mortgages, and are now staring down $300+ utility bills in retirement.
They’re not asking out of curiosity. They’re asking because the math matters — and they’re right to want the full picture.
What Actually Determines if Solar Is Worth It
Forget age for a second. Here’s what really matters:
Your monthly electric bill – The higher it is, the faster solar pays back
How long you plan to stay in your home – A 7–10 year timeline is ideal
Whether you buy, finance, or lease – Ownership has better ROI, but PPAs lower bills immediately
Whether you add a battery – Storage adds cost, but also outage protection
Hypothetical Example: A 62-Year-Old Homeowner
Let’s say you’re 62, retired, and living in your longtime home in Paso Robles.
Your PG&E bill is $280/month and you’re planning to stay put for at least 15 more years.
We run a custom quote and see that solar could bring your effective cost per kWh down to ~14¢ — compared to PG&E’s 44¢ (and rising). The payback period is 7.5 years. That gives you a solid 7+ years of pure savings.
Even better? If you add a battery, you gain backup protection during outages and take advantage of the federal tax credit — without relying on the grid.
What About a Solar PPA? (Power Purchase Agreement)
Even if you’re over 75 and don’t want to buy a system, a solar PPA might still be a smart option.
A PPA lets you go solar with zero upfront cost. You don’t own the system — instead, you pay for the power it produces, typically at a lower rate than PG&E.
Pros:
Lower monthly electric bills from day one
No equipment costs or maintenance
No debt or financing required
Cons:
Long-term contracts (20–25 years)
Escalators may increase your rate each year
Selling your home could get tricky
No battery included in most PPA offers
🔍 Bottom line: If you want lower bills immediately with no hassle, a PPA can make sense — even at 82. But read the fine print.
When Solar Doesn’t Make Sense
You plan to sell or move in the next 3–5 years
Your energy usage is already very low
Your roof is shaded or not viable for solar
You’re on a fixed income and uncomfortable with any financial commitment
Solar may still be worth it if you’re thinking about long-term resale value — especially in California, where buyer demand is high. We cover that more in this post on solar and home value.
Even then — it’s worth looking at your numbers. The right solar design (or a PPA) might still save you money.
So… What’s the Cutoff Age?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s the honest take:
If you’re under 75 and staying put, solar is probably still a great investment.
If you’re over 75, on a fixed income, and not using much electricity — it may not pencil out, unless you care more about backup protection or leaving value behind for your family.
Final Word: It’s About Usage, Not Age
You’ve worked hard to own your home. Solar can protect you from rising utility bills, add resilience during outages, and lower your cost of living in retirement — whether you’re 62 or 76.
Want to know if it’s worth it for you?
Let us run the numbers. No pressure. Just real answers.