Solar system pricing

If you just need a few panels for a small do-it-yourself solar project, expect to pay around $200 to $350 per panel (between $0.80 and $1.40 per watt). Note: The table below doesn't include the cost of a solar storage battery, which can add anywhere from $7,000 to $18,000 to your total solar system costs.

Comparatively, our team found an average cost per watt of $3.10 based on our survey responses. Note that system pricing can vary based on the solar panel and equipment brand, installer, location and more. The table below shows typical prices of solar panel systems ranging from 4 kW to 8 kW in size based on the SEIA cost figures.

Below is a breakdown of pricing for different home sizes to help you plan your investment. A 5KW solar panel system is typically sufficient for modest households with minimal energy requirements. The average cost for such a system is between $12,000 and $16,000.

Take control of your energy costs with solar power. Solar panels generate “free” electricity, but installing a system still costs money. A typical American household needs a 10-kilowatt (kW) system to adequately power their home, which costs $28,241 in 2025.

Our survey data also found that New Mexico has some of the cheapest solar panel costs in the U.S., with an average price of $9,996 after using the federal solar tax credit. Solar panel pricing is the most expensive in Massachusetts, where estimated costs are around $18,900 after the tax credit.

A fully installed solar system typically costs $3 to $5 per watt before factoring in incentives like the 30% tax credit. Using this measurement, 5,000 Watt solar system (5 kW) would have a gross cost between $15,00 and $25,000. The price per watt for larger and relatively straightforward projects are often within the $3-$4 range.