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$0.08 – $0.10 Per kWh$1.77 – $2.20 Per Watt $10,626 – $26,460 6 to 12 kW SystemSolar panels cost $1.77 to $2.20 per watt and a 6 kW solar panel installation for the average home costs from $10,626 to $13,230 after the 30% federal solar tax credit. Solar energy costs $0.08 to $0.10 per kWh to produce on average, depending on your location. Get free estimates from solar installers near you or view our cost guide below. Solar Panel CostThe average cost to install solar panels is from $10,626 to $26,460 (after tax credit) for a 6kW to 12kW system to power an entire house. The average solar panel payback period is 7 to 12 years, and solar energy saves $600 to $2,000 per year on electricity costs. Most solar panels last for 50 years, have a 25-year warranty, and start generating a return on investment after 8-years. Solar panels generate electricity approximately 30% cheaper than utility electricity over their lifetime. Over 20 years, solar panel savings range from a low of $10,000 to over $30,000, depending on your location and the cost of electricity. Solar Panel Installation Cost
Use our solar calculators below to assess your total costs based on your location and current energy consumption, or get free estimates from solar installers near you. We’ll also show you exactly how much you'll save by going solar. Table of Contents
Solar Panel Cost CalculatorThe first step to calculating your solar panel costs is to estimate the system size you need. The average residential installation is 3 kW to 10 kW depending on your home's size, location, and energy needs. Prices below include the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which reduces your overall costs by 30%. Additional solar incentives and rebates are available from individual states, utilities, and local governments, which further reduce your total costs. Solar Panel Cost Calculator
Get free estimates from solar installers. View Pros How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?The average family uses 11,000 kWh per year and needs 26 to 33 solar panels to power the whole house. One solar thermal panel generates enough energy to power a hot water heater for a family of four. The number of panels needed depends on your location and roof size. Most states have a solar production ratio of 1.3 to 1.6, which means an 8kW system produces 30% more energy, or 10,600 kWh annually on average. To calculate how many solar panels you need, look at your annual kWh (kilowatt-hours) usage on your utility bills and referenced the table and map below. Solar Panels Needed To Power A House
Table based on 250 watt panels at average solar production ratios of 1.3 to 1.6. Where you live is a significant factor when estimating how many solar panels you need to power your house. Regions with less sunlight require larger systems to produce 100% of their energy needs. Using the map below, take the number written in your shaded region and multiply by the estimated size of your system in kW. Then, multiply this number by 0.78 to account for inefficiencies and energy conversion losses. Map source For example, let's say you live in Texas with a score of 1700, and you believe you'll need an 8 kW system. This formula calculates a good estimate on how much electricity (kWh) your 8 kW system will produce annually. 1700 × 8 kW × 0.78 = 10,608 kWh Below are the rough calculations which estimate the system size needed in each region to produce 11,000 kWh for the average home. Solar System Size Needed To Produce 11,000 kWh Annually
Solar Panel Cost Per WattResidential solar panels cost $2.53 to $3.15 per watt, with most homeowners spending $2.70 per watt on average before any tax credits or incentives. Commercial solar costs $1.83 per watt on average. Solar systems have ratings based on the electricity produced annually in average conditions. Solar Energy Cost Per kWhResidential solar energy costs $0.08 to $0.10 per kWh on average, and commercial or utility-scale solar power costs $0.06 to $0.08 per kilowatt-hour. Prices include the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) and vary drastically based on the amount of sunlight and type of solar panels installed. Solar Panel Cost Per Watt & kWh
These figures represent the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), which is the average revenue per unit of electricity generated that would be required to recover the costs of the solar panels over their life expectancy. Consult with solar installers to calculate savings. View Pros Cost of Solar Panels Per Square FootThe cost of solar panels to power your house are $4 to $10 per square foot. However, most installers estimate solar costs by the amount of energy needed, at $2.53 to $3.15 per watt before any tax credits or incentives. Below are cost estimates based on home size. Overall costs depend on the type of solar panels, the size and design of your roof, and your energy needs. Cost To Install Solar Panels On House
Residential Cost of Solar Panels By StateThe average cost of solar varies significantly per state but overall is affordable. The local cost of electricity influences the cost of solar per watt in your area. Below are the average prices per watt and by system size across the United States, including the 30% federal solar rebate. Cost of Solar Panels By State
Average Solar Panel Installation Costs By BrandBelow are total installation costs for 6kW and 10kW residential solar systems by brand which includes the 30% tax credit. Most solar manufacturers offer similar pricing, however, the price you pay is typically reflective of panel quality. Solar Panel Installation Cost By Brand
Prices include 30% tax credit and reflect installation costs from solar contractors. Total costs depend on the location, installers experience, inverter, and other equipment. How Much Does One Solar Panel Cost?One 150 to 300-watt solar panel costs $112 to $450 on average, or between $0.75 to $1.50 per watt depending on the type of panel, energy-efficiency rating, and size. Solar companies that purchase in bulk typically spend $0.75 per watt, whereas homeowners spend $1 per watt. Most distributors only sell solar panels to local contractors at bulk wholesale prices. Hiring a solar installer will drastically reduce your overall equipment costs. These prices are for the panels only, additional fees for installation includes inverters, batteries, mounting hardware, wiring, and more. Solar Panels For Home Cost Per Panel
Solar Panel Lease CostA solar panel lease costs $100 per month on average, with most spending between $50 and $250 per month depending on their location and energy needs. Leasing solar panels is cost-effective and typically saves $50 to $100 per month on your electricity bills with little to no down payment. Solar leasing companies are responsible for the installation and maintenance fees for the duration of your contract. If you decide to move, expect to pay additional charges to end your leasing agreement because transferring the lease to another buyer can be difficult. If you own your solar system outright that generates 100% of your power, the monthly cost is less than $10 per month for minor grid-tied connection fees. An off-grid system has no monthly costs other than general maintenance. Tesla Solar Roof CostA Tesla solar roof costs $22 to $45 per square foot, which includes the solar roof tiles, a Powerwall, roof and site repairs, and complete system installation. A 9.45 kW solar system installed on a 1,800 square foot roof costs between $39,600 and $81,000. On average, solar shingles cost up to $8,000 more than installing a new roof with traditional PV solar panels. Glass-faced solar shingles mimic the appearance of a tiled roof and cover more surface area than mounted PV panels to catch more sunlight. Solar tiles have a lower efficiency rating in producing electricity. They may not last as long as PV panels because their design doesn’t allow much room for ventilation, which can lead to overheating. Commercial Solar Panel CostA 10 kW to 2 MW commercial solar panel system costs $1.83 per watt before any tax rebates or incentives. Larger fixed-tilt or one-axis tracking utility-scale systems greater than 2 MW cost $1.06 per watt on average. Commercial solar installation costs for small and mid-sized businesses range from $43,000 for a 25 kW system up to $175,000 for a 100 kW system. Businesses recover about 45 percent of solar panels costs within the first year through tax credits and rebate programs. Commercial Solar Panel Cost
Return to Top Solar Savings EstimatorThe solar payback calculator below covers the average break-even period, which is when your power supply becomes free, and the projected savings over 20 years. Solar Panel Return On Investment (ROI)The average solar panel payback period is 7 to 12 years, depending on where you live and the cost of electricity. On average, upfront costs are $11,000, with savings of $1,400 per year on foregone energy bills. You'll break-even after 8-years and start generating a return on your investment. How Much Do Solar Panels Save?Over 20 years, solar panel savings range from a low of $10,000 to over $30,000, depending on your location and the cost of electricity. Solar energy saves $600 to $2,000 per year by reducing your electricity bills and from selling solar renewable energy credit (SREC). Solar Panel Savings Calculator
*6kW system powering 70% to 100% of your energy needs. Consult with solar installers to calculate savings. View Pros Here's a more granular look of solar savings on power bills per year by location. Solar Panel Savings On Electricity Bills
Are Solar Panels Worth It?Solar panels generate electricity approximately 30% cheaper than utility electricity in most locations, making them worth it over their lifetime. What makes solar more affordable is the 30% federal solar tax credit and state incentives. The average residential electricity rate from utility companies is 13.19 cents per kWh, depending on where you live. An average 8 kW solar system costs $15,000 and generates 11,000 kWh annually or $880 to $1,100 worth of energy. Over the lifetime of the solar panels, this equates to 8 to 10 cents per kWh, which makes solar panels worth it after getting through the hefty upfront cost. Return to Top Solar Panel Installation Cost FactorsThe cost to convert a house to solar power depends on your location, energy needs, type of solar panels, inverter and equipment options, permits, inspection, tax credits, and labor costs. Use the national averages in the following table to calculate a cost-benefit analysis for solar PV installation.
Cost of Solar Panels Over TimeThe average cost of solar panels has fallen 65% from $7.34 per watt in 2010, to $2.53 per watt in 2019. A standard 6 kW residential solar system has dropped from $44,000 down to $15,200 over the past decade (not including the federal solar tax credit).
*Estimates are based on the average rate of decline. Labor Costs To Install Solar PanelsThe average labor cost to install solar panels is $0.27 per watt, or around 15% of the total cost of your system. A standard 6 kW system with 20 to 25 panels costs about $1,600 for solar installation labor before applying the 30% federal solar rebate. Labor costs increase if your home has multiple stories, skylights, dormers, or a problematic 45° roof pitch. Contractors may need to design a unique system to make sure the panels receive enough sunlight to be efficient. Get free estimates from competing solar companies. View Pros Solar Equipment OptionsWhen installing your new solar system, you can choose between options such as on-grid vs. off-grid backup power, three different panel material types, and three different mounting types. On-grid vs. Off-grid Solar Power SystemsStoring energy off-grid requires spending 30% to 40% more, or around $15,000 on backup power supplies, charge controller, generator, batteries, and installation costs. Types of Solar PanelsSolar panels are constructed from three different types of materials; monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film.
Solar Panel MountsThere are three different ways to mount solar panels, which affect the overall cost. Solar Panel Mounts
Sometimes it’s cheaper to install solar panels on rails in your backyard, such as when your roof surface is too steep, if your roof is mostly in the shade, or if you do not have a roof facing south to catch the most sunshine. Solar Inverter CostA 5 kW solar inverter for a home system costs $1,000 to $2,000 for a single-phase model, and $1,500 to $3,000 for a premium 3-phase model. Inverter prices depend on the size, quality, and features. An inverter converts the current from the panels into an electric voltage that’s compatible with your home. Solar Panel Cost AnalysisBelow is a solar panel cost analysis for a complete residential installation based on a 6.2 kW system at an average cost of $2.70 per watt. Use this data to compare to quotes provided by solar installers. Solar Panel Cost Analysis
Analysis provided by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Solar Panel Permits & Inspection FeesAccording to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar panel permits and inspection costs $0.06 per watt or $360 for a 6 kW system and $600 for a 10 kW system. Solar Panel Maintenance & RepairsSolar panel maintenance and repairs cost $11.50 per kW per year without including the inverter, and $23/kW/yr including inverter repairs. Solar panel cleaning costs $3 to $10 per panel and produces 3.5% more electricity than if left uncleaned. An annual inspection costs $100 to $150. Solar Panel Maintenance & Repairs
Solar panel insurance coverage is typically included in most policies and are largely considered a permanent attachment to the home. Marketing and SalesLarger companies tend to spend extra on advertising to attract more business. However, that cost is baked into their installation services, and you’ll find better prices from smaller, more localized solar contractors. Return to Top Federal Solar Tax Credits & IncentivesThere are various tax breaks and tax incentives offered by the federal government, local governments, states, and utility companies. Also, low-interest solar loans and $0 down installations are making it easy to buy a solar panel system. How Does The Federal Solar Tax Credit Work?The federal solar tax credit allows you to deduct 30% of the total cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. The investment tax credit (ITC), applies to both residential and commercial solar systems without a limit. Those leasing solar panels are not eligible for federal tax credits. Solar Tax Credit Calculator
Solar IncentivesIn addition to the federal tax credit, homeowners are also eligible to receive solar incentives and rebates from local governments, utility companies, and solar-incentive programs. Solar Incentives
Return to Top Frequently Asked QuestionsHow Much Does A Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Array Cost?A utility-scale photovoltaic array greater than 2 MW costs $1.06 to $1.36 per watt before applying for the federal solar tax credit. This equates to $0.04 to $0.06 per kWh after using the tax credit. How Much Does DIY Solar Cost?Installing solar as a DIY project is difficult, and will cost more because solar companies buy wholesale directly from the manufacturers. Also, each solar installation needs to pass an inspection, according to state and federal laws. How Much Does Solar Energy Cost Per Year?Purchasing a 6 kW system ($12,600) on a 5-year payment plan costs about $2,500 per year or $210 per month. Once you own the system outright, solar energy costs $100 to $150 per year for maintenance and inspections. Another option to convert to solar is a lease at $600 to $3,000 annually. How Much Does A Small Solar Panel Cost?A small solar panel typically costs $2 to $4 per watt for residential use. A small 25-watt panel costs $40, while a 200-watt portable solar panel with a power station and outlets costs $250 to $300. A 45-watt solar battery bank can charge laptops, phones, tablets, and other smart devices. How Much Does A Solar Heating System Cost?A solar water heater costs $3,000 to $9,000 with installation, depending on the type and size. Solar heating panels, or solar thermal collectors, are different from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels because they only capture heat. Solar heating systems can heat your water supply, your air, or both. Return to Top Tips For Hiring A Solar Panel InstallerWhen searching for reputable solar companies, always get at least three quotes in writing from both big and small contractors, ask plenty of questions, check their credentials, and don’t sign any agreements until after an on-site consultation. Get Multiple Solar QuotesHomeowners who shop around often pay 10% to 20% less with savings up to $5,000 by getting at least three solar quotes from competing companies. Always ask for an on-site evaluation and request a detailed price quote in writing. Be sure to check the online reviews from HomeGuide and Google. The largest solar installers typically quote inflated prices based on their brand and reputation. Always compare bids from the national brands to local installers to be sure you get the best deal. It's not uncommon to save thousands of dollars from smaller solar companies.
Get free quotes from solar installers. View Pros Questions To Ask Solar Energy CompaniesWhen you get a solar panel estimate, ask the contractor these questions:
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Millions of people ask HomeGuide for cost estimates every year. We track the estimates they get from local companies, then we share those prices with you. 20+ Solar Installers in Atlanta, GAGet free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted solar installers: Get free estimates Related ArticlesNavigationWhat is the cost of each solar panel?Type Of Panels
The most energy-efficient solar panel option, monocrystalline solar panels, costs $1 to $1.50 per watt. Less energy-efficient, polycrystalline solar panels cost $0.90 to $1 per watt. Thin-film solar panels cost between $1 and $1.50 per watt.
How many years does it take for a solar panel to pay for itself?The most common estimate of the average payback period for solar panels is six to ten years. This is a pretty wide range because there are many factors that will influence the number of years it can take to pay off your panels and the monthly savings you can expect.
How many solar panels does it cost to power a house?The average American home needs between 16 and 20 solar panels based on the average electricity usage of 893 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month. Installing that many solar panels would cost between $12,000 and $17,000 after the federal solar tax credit.
How much should I spend on solar panels?With installation, an average residential 5-kW system costs from $3 to $5 per watt, according to the CSE, which results in the $15,000 to $25,000 range. That cost is before any tax credits or incentives. If you know your current energy usage, you can calculate how much you'll need to pay for solar panels.
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