How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? (Jan 2026)
Solar panels generate “free” electricity, but installing a
The price of solar panels changes depending on where you live, but the average for installation is just under $29,000 or $2.75 per watt. On the high end, we talked to a solar customer in Hawaii who spent $100,000 going solar. Dion in Nevada said their 10-kW system cost about $20,000, which is about the national average price for a 7-kW system.
Your state's averages matter more than national numbers, and factors like shading, roof complexity, and local incentive programs all play a role in your final price. The average cost of a 12 kW solar panel installation on EnergySage is $29,649 before available incentives.
As of publishing, the average cost per watt is $2.84. Most solar companies set the price according to the solar system's wattage. A solar installation's “cost per watt” is a little like the “price per square foot” when you buy a house. It helps compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes.
As of 2024, the average cost of solar panels in New York is $3.30 per watt, making a typical 6.9 kilowatt (kW) solar system $16,632 after claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit now available. This is higher than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States, which is currently $3.00 per watt.
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