How much does a PV system cost?

The median price for residential PV systems reported by EnergySage increased 6.3% y/y to $2.8/Watt direct current (W dc)—in-line with mid-2020 price levels. Global polysilicon spot prices fell 22% from mid-January ($8.70/kilograms [kg]) to late April ($6.76/kg), approaching the lowest nominal price seen over the past decade.

How much does solar installation cost?

Installation labor accounts for around 5.5% of the total cost of a residential solar project, according to a 2022 report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. That amounts to $1,375 for a $25,000 solar project.

What is a 'solar panel rate' scam?

This is a common scam used to gather personal data and/or trick people into signing long-term solar lease agreements that are far less favorable than owning solar panels. For example, in February 2023, a Facebook page called “Solar Panel Rate” ran multiple ads claiming Elon Musk was paying homeowners $2,500 to test out new solar technology.

Do residential customers finance PV systems?

For instance, many residential customers finance their PV systems, but the benchmarks exclude financing costs, which can represent around 20% of reported market prices. For further research on the complexity of PV markets and reported market prices, see Gillingham et al. (2016) and Barbose et al. (2021a).

How are PV production costs modeled?

The costs of materials, equipment, facilities, energy, and labor associated with each step in the production process are individually modeled. Input data for this analysis method are collected through primary interviews with PV manufacturers and material and equipment suppliers.

Can solar panels save money on energy costs?

Yes, homeowners across the US can save money on energy costs by powering their homes with solar panels instead of purchasing electricity from a utility. This is especially true following the rapid rise in grid electricity rates in 2022 and 2023.