Solar Panel Cost | 2024 Guide

By Alex Hawkins Updated August 6, 2024

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Solar panel costs typically range from $17,430 to $23,870, but many homeowners will pay around $20,650 on average. Solar panels are a considerable investment. Various factors influence your project price, including the panels you choose, your home’s energy needs, and applicable state and federal tax incentives.

We have conducted in-depth research on the best solar companies in the United States and the industry overall. This guide breaks down the significant factors that influence what solar panels cost, as well as the national average for a solar energy system.


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Note: All cost data in this article is based on data from EnergySage, Consumer Affairs, Home Advisor, and Angi.


Average Cost of Solar Panels

Though solar pricing varies by location, system size, and other project variables, EnergySage data shows these figures as the national average:

Price SpectrumAverage Cost
Low end$17,430
Middle$20,650
High end$23,870

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Each State?

Solar panel costs can vary according to your state’s energy rates and access to solar technology. Check the table below to get an idea of what solar panels might cost you in your state.

StateAverage Cost Per Watt*Average Cost for 6 kW System*Average Federal Tax Credit Value
Alabama$2.45$14,700$4,410
Alaska$2.41$14,460$4,338
Arizona$2.44$14,640$4,392
Arkansas$3.06$18,360$5,508
California$2.86$17,160$5,148
Colorado$3.44$20,640$6,192
Connecticut$3.22$19,320$5,796
Delaware$2.75$16,500$4,950
Florida$2.58$15,480$4,644
Georgia$3.20$19,200$5,760
Hawaii$2.67$16,020$4,806
Idaho$2.93$17,580$5,274
Illinois$3.16$18,960$5,688
Indiana$3.63$21,780$6,534
Iowa$3.45$20,700$6,210
Kansas$2.39$14,340$4,302
Kentucky$2.34$14,040$4,212
Louisiana$3.17$19,020$5,706
Maine$3.45$20,700$6,210
Maryland$3.13$18,780$5,634
Massachusetts$3.54$21,240$6,372
Michigan$3.78$22,680$6,858
Minnesota$3.45$20,700$6,210
Mississippi$2.64$15,840$4,752
Missouri$2.85$17,100$5,130
Montana$2.42$14,520$4,356
Nebraska$2.83$16,980$5,094
Nevada$2.60$15,600$4,680
New Hampshire$3.61$21,660$6,498
New Jersey$2.95$17,700$5,310
New Mexico$3.39$20,340$6,102
New York$3.48$20,880$6,264
North Carolina$3.04$18,240$5,472
North Dakota$2.42$14,520$4,356
Ohio$2.98$17,880$5,364
Oklahoma$2.62$15,720$4,716
Oregon$3.02$18,780$5,634
Pennsylvania$3.06$18,360$5,508
Rhode Island$3.61$21,660$6,498
South Carolina$2.89$17,340$5,202
South Dakota$2.39$14,340$4,302
Tennessee$2.97$17,820$5,346
Texas$2.77$16,620$4,986
Utah$2.69$16,140$4,842
Vermont$3.14$18,840$5,652
Virginia$3.04$18,240$5,472
Washington$3.25$19,500$5,850
West Virginia$2.92$17,520$5,256
Wisconsin$3.41$20,460$6,138
Wyoming$2.57$15,420$4,626

Solar Panel Cost Breakdown

EnergySage estimates that the national average cost for a typical 6-kilowatt (kW, or 6,000 watts) residential rooftop solar system is roughly $20,650 before any federal tax credits or local incentives.* Overall, you should expect to pay anywhere between $17,430 and $23,870, depending on your system size and location.

The total cost of a solar system includes solar panel prices, which vary in price by brand and type, installation labor, system size, and additional equipment. A solar installation company will charge a combination of labor costs and a price per watt for each solar panel.

*Based on a June 2024 report.

Types of Solar Panels

The type of solar panel you order will influence your total price. Below is a breakdown of the three most popular types of solar panels and their average price

  • Monocrystalline: Monocrystalline panels are considered the most efficient solar panels, with an average efficiency rate of 24%. However, they are also the most costly. The average cost for monocrystalline solar panels is $1 to $1.50 per watt. Therefore, a standard 6kW system costs between $6,000 and $9,000.
  • Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline panels are a more cost-effective option up front. However, they feature a lower efficiency rate than mono panels, at an average of 20%. The average cost for polycrystalline solar panels is $0.90 to $1 per watt, or $5,400 to $6, total for a 6 kW system.
  • Thin-film: Thin-film solar panels are less popular for residential solar systems. They tend to cost around $0.70 to $1 per watt. That’s roughly $4,200 to $6,000 total for a 6 kW system. 

 

Labor

Installation costs—including labor and permits—average around 25% of the cost of the solar panel system itself. So, for example, if you purchase a 6-kW monocrystalline solar panel system for $20,000, then a solar installation company will likely charge approximately around $25,000 for the system and the installation, combined. The installation of a larger system will naturally increase labor costs.

System Size

Determining the right system size for your property requires looking at a few factors: energy needs, roof size, and layout. You can determine how much energy it typically takes to power your home by looking at your monthly electric bill. We’ve included more on this in the next section. The size and shape of your roof, or wherever you intend to install the panels, also influences the system you can install. EnergySage estimates that the typical household needs an average of 19 panels to fulfill its electricity needs, which is roughly a 7-kW system.

Additional Equipment

Residential solar systems also typically require a battery to store energy and an inverter, which converts the variable direct current (DC) output of your PV solar panels into alternating current (AC). Most solar companies will include these components in your solar system’s design. However, if you request specific brands of inverters or batteries, they may come at a premium.

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Solar Incentives and Rebates

Most states offer several solar tax credits and rebates that help purchasers save money, incentivizing them to switch to solar and power their homes more sustainably. You can check on your state’s Department of Energy website to learn which programs are available in your area and on websites such as EnergySage and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Common state-level solar incentives include:

At the local level, many utility companies offer net-metering programs that allow solar owners to send any excess energy their system generates to the power grid, earning them credits in return. If the system owner ever needs to rely on the power grid for electricity during cloudy days or at night, they can use their credits to pay their utility bill.

The biggest financial incentive is the federal solar tax credit (ITC). This federal-level credit lets solar buyers claim 30% of the total system cost on their income taxes the year of installation. However, this credit is only for those who own their system, meaning anyone who buys it outright or via a solar loan. Those with a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) are not eligible.

We recommend using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to see which solar rebates and state tax credits you can receive.


Other Factors to Consider About Solar Panel Costs

In addition to the cost per watt for each solar panel, other factors influence the overall cost of a solar power system. We have listed some of the most critical factors for you below. 

Energy Needs 

Take note of your current cost of electricity, as switching to solar may or may not save you money on your energy costs. The larger your home and higher your monthly electric bill, the more benefits you are likely to see from switching to solar. A solar system can eliminate a homeowner’s electricity bill in some instances.

On the other hand, if you already have relatively low utility bills, you may not see enough savings to justify the expense of installing a home solar system

Location

The location of your home plays a vital role in how much money solar panels can save you. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the data analysis site Stacker determined that states such as Arizona, California, Colorado, and Florida are among the sunniest in the country, making these top locations to get great sun exposure. The sunnier the state and the higher the electricity rate, the more return on investment that location will see.

Roof Type

You can use a solar panel system even if you don’t live in these blue-sky states. Most solar panel installers use photovoltaic (PV) panels, which can absorb both direct and indirect sunlight. However, these solar panels generate the most energy on angled roofs that allow maximum sun exposure. On the other hand, a flat roof will require the construction of angled platforms, which will add to your labor costs and increase the overall cost of your solar system installation. 

Additionally, south-, west- or southwest-facing roofs get more sun exposure. For example, a home that experiences less shade and has a south-facing roof with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees will receive the most sunlight. Therefore, these homes receive and retain more solar energy. On the other hand, a home with trees around it or in a less sunny region, like the Pacific Northwest, may not save as much money as a homeowner in Arizona or California

Your roof’s age and structural soundness will also influence the overall cost of solar panel installation. Repairing your roof or upgrading your roofing material to support panels will come at an additional expense ahead of installation and affect your total cost.

Payment Options

Solar providers offer various payment methods that influence how cost-effective your investment in solar is. Here are the four payment options you can choose from with most solar companies


Are Solar Panels Worth the Cost?

In most cases, solar panels are worth the cost. Transitioning to clean energy saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint, fossil fuel use, and greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, the worth of solar panels varies across households and locations.

There are a few things to consider when determining whether solar panels are worth it for you, such as:

One thing that may make getting solar panels worth it is increased property value. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that your home value increases by $20 for every $1 you save on your utility bills. If your solar panel system saves you $800 per year, that translates to an added $16,000 to your home value. Learn more about how to determine if solar panels are worth it for you.


Hidden Costs of Solar

Maintenance, energy storage, and other costs are necessary to protect your system and get the most value out of it. Common associated costs include the following:


Solar Panel System Installation

Most solar companies follow these steps for installations:

  1. Site evaluation: An installer will visit your home to confirm the planned design and estimate the scope of work. This person or their team will also inspect your roof, attic, and electrical setup.
  2. Permit approval: Most states require a permit to install solar panels. Your solar provider should handle the paperwork with your local municipality.
  3. Installation: Installation typically takes one to three days. You don’t need to be home for it, but we recommend it so you can ask questions.
  4. Cleanup: Installers should remove debris and leave your property in good condition.
  5. City inspection: Your provider should coordinate with your city to have an inspector check that your system is up to code.
  6. Utility connection: Your system must be connected to your local utility system if you’re connecting it to the grid. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company. Your utility company will also want to inspect your system to ensure it follows its utility guidelines. You can turn your system on after you get permission to operate.

Our Recommendation

Residential solar panels help you cut electricity costs and carbon emissions. Installing solar panels may be a good choice if your location has high electricity costs, solar incentives to help you save money, and a reasonable payback period so you see energy savings sooner.

You can use the tool below to get a sense of what solar costs are like in your ZIP code.

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Solar Panel Costs FAQ

Is solar energy a good investment?

As the solar industry continues to grow and the average cost of solar panels continues to decrease, solar energy is panning out to be a good investment for many homeowners. Choosing renewable energy can result in a considerable reduction in your electricity bill. Additionally, various tax incentives, like state-issued Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and the federal solar tax credit, may allow you to earn more money over the systems life than you spend on it.

Do solar panels eliminate electric bills?

Solar panels can eliminate your electric bill. However, factors such as your home’s location and the typical electricity rates will influence whether or not your energy bill disappears with solar energy.

What is a payback period? 

A payback period refers to the amount of time it takes for the cost of an investment to break even. For a PV solar system, the energy production needs to match your energy usage. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reports that the average payback period for a PV solar system is four to 10 years.

How many solar panels do I need for a 1,500-square-foot home?

EnergySage estimates you’ll need 12 or 13 panels on average to power a 1,500-square-foot home.

How long do solar panels last?

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy (EERE), most solar panels last 30 to 35 years.


How We Chose the Top Solar Companies

We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.

Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.

We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.