Solar Panel Cost by System Size 2026
Solar system cost scales directly with size — bigger systems cost more upfront but can offset more of your electricity usage.
$15,120 – $18,480
installed cost, before tax credit
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Pricing Breakdown
Based on our calculator's $2.80/watt installed rate — installed cost, before tax credit.
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kW (10 panels) | $10,080–$12,320 | Minimum system size — small homes or high electricity rates |
| 6 kW (15 panels) | $15,120–$18,480 | Typical for an average single-family home |
| 8 kW (20 panels) | $20,160–$24,640 | Larger homes or higher usage |
| 10 kW (25 panels) | $25,200–$30,800 | High-usage homes, pools, EV charging |
| 15 kW (38 panels) | $37,800–$46,200 | Very high usage or multi-family |
| 20 kW (50 panels) | $50,400–$61,600 | Maximum system size we quote |
What to Know
- ✓Installed cost is a flat $2.80 per watt (panels, labor, inverter, permits, margin all included) before any tax credit
- ✓The federal 30% tax credit reduces net cost significantly — a 6 kW system drops from $16,800 to $11,760 after the credit
- ✓Most homes need a 4–10 kW system; larger homes or higher usage can require up to 20 kW, our calculator's maximum
- ✓Panel count is based on 400W panels — a 6 kW system uses about 15 panels
Solar Cost by State
Installed price per watt is the same nationwide — state variance comes from electricity rates and sun hours changing your recommended system size.
California$7,056–$8,624
Texas$9,702–$11,858
Florida$9,349–$11,427
New York$8,291–$10,133
Arizona$8,644–$10,564
Nevada$10,055–$12,289
Washington$20,639–$25,225
Massachusetts$7,056–$8,624
North Carolina$12,524–$15,308
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