How much does a solar panel installation cost?

The average cost of a 10.8 kW solar panel installation on EnergySage is $20,948 after federal tax credits. You'll probably save anywhere from $28,000-$120,000 over 25 years by going solar. Solar panels are just 12% of the total cost of a solar panel installation.

How much does solar cost per watt?

Most of the time, you’ll see solar system costs listed as the cost per watt of solar installed so you can easily compare prices between quotes for different system sizes. The average cost per watt of solar is $3.00 per watt, but you may get some quotes that are slightly higher or slightly lower than average. Beware of extremely low solar prices.

How efficient are solar panels?

Most solar panels today have efficiency ratings between 19% and 21%, a 48% increase from efficiency ratings in 2010. What factors impact how much solar panels cost? Each home is different, so how much you need to pay for a solar panel system will vary.

How much does a solar panel upgrade cost?

Electrical panel upgrades: Not all homeowners need to get a new electrical panel when they go solar, but if you live in an older home or your breaker box is too small, you may need to get an upgrade. Depending on the project, and electrical panel upgrade for solar could cost between $2,000 and $3,000.

How much does a 5 kilowatt solar system cost?

The average 5-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system is $14,210 before considering any financial incentives. However, a typical American household needs a system closer to 10 kW to adequately power their home, which costs $28,241 in 2024. That price effectively drops to $19,873 after considering the full federal solar tax credit.

How much does a solar loan cost per watt?

Solar loans will increase your price per watt. The average cost for solar panels financed with a solar loan is between $3.80 and $4.25 per watt because of financing fees. Don’t be surprised when you get a quote that seems high if it includes a solar loan!