How much do solar panels cost?
Typical prices, what drives them, and how to tell whether a quote is fair.
Typical cost
A 6 kW system at about $3.00 per watt costs roughly $18,000 before incentives, or about $12,600 if you qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
What affects the price
- System size and panel/inverter brand
- Roof type, angle and complexity
- Permits, inspections and local labor costs
- Financing: loans and leases often cost more overall than cash
Is your quote fair?
Divide the total price by the system size in watts to get price per watt. Or let the Quote Checker do it for you, then compare a few local quotes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good price per watt for solar?
Around $3.00 per watt before incentives is a common benchmark for a typical home system. Prices vary by state, roof and equipment.
How big a system do I need?
Many homes use a system of about 6 kW, but the right size depends on your usage and how much sun your roof gets.
Why do quotes differ so much?
Equipment brands, roof complexity, permits, local labor costs and the installer's margin all play a role. Comparing several quotes helps.
Estimates only. Actual results depend on your home, installer and local rules.