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Solar Panel Installation Cost Guide
Updated 2026 · National averages
National Average
$15,000 – $35,000
per project
Solar panel installation costs $15,000–$35,000 before the 30% federal tax credit ($10,500–$24,500 after).
Overview
The average solar installation in the US costs $2.50–$3.50 per watt installed, putting a typical 8–10 kW home system between $20,000 and $35,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and any state incentives, most homeowners pay $14,000–$25,000 net. Payback periods range from 6 to 12 years depending on your state's electricity rates and sun hours.
Cost by Scope
Small (4–6 kW)
Best for smaller homes or low-use households. Good for condos or 1,200–1,800 sq ft homes.
$11,600–$17,400
Medium (7–9 kW)
Most common residential size. Covers 70–90% of a typical US home's electricity use.
$20,300–$26,100
Large (10–14 kW)
Best for large homes, EVs, or homes with high AC usage. Often pairs with battery storage.
$29,000–$40,600
What Affects the Cost
High
System size (kW)
Larger systems cost more but produce proportionally more energy. Most homes need 6–12 kW.
Medium
Panel brand & efficiency
Premium panels (SunPower, REC, Panasonic) cost 20–30% more but produce more per sq ft.
Medium
Roof type & complexity
Metal and tile roofs add $500–$2,000 in labor. Steep pitches add 10–15%.
Medium
Inverter type
Microinverters add $1,000–$2,000 over string inverters but optimize each panel individually.
High
Battery storage
Adding a Tesla Powerwall or Enphase battery adds $10,000–$15,000 to your system cost.
Low
State & local permits
Permit fees typically run $200–$500; included in most installer quotes.
Medium
Installer experience
Large national installers charge a premium; local certified installers often cost 10–20% less.
What's Typically Included
- Panels
- Inverter(s)
- Mounting hardware
- Wiring & conduit
- Monitoring system
- Utility interconnection
- Permits & inspection fees
- Labor
Common Add-Ons (Not Included)
- Battery storage (add $10K–$15K)
- Roof repairs or replacement
- Panel cleaning service
- Extended warranty beyond manufacturer's
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does solar cost after the federal tax credit?
The 30% federal ITC reduces your net cost significantly. A $25,000 system becomes $17,500 after the credit. Some states offer additional credits on top of that.
How long do solar panels last?
Most modern panels carry a 25-year performance warranty and physically last 30+ years. They degrade about 0.5% per year in output.
What size solar system do I need?
Divide your annual kWh usage (from your utility bill) by 1,200–1,400 to get an approximate kW size. A typical US home using 10,500 kWh/year needs roughly an 8–9 kW system.
Is solar worth it if I plan to sell my home?
Yes — studies consistently show solar homes sell for 3–4% more and faster than comparable non-solar homes.
Can I get solar with bad credit or no money down?
Yes. Many installers offer $0-down financing through GreenSky, Mosaic Solar, or manufacturer programs. Rates typically run 3.99–7.99% APR.