2026 Solar Panel Costs: Ultimate Guide to Pricing and Savings
Today''s premium monocrystalline solar panels typically cost between 30 and 50 cents per Watt, putting the price of a single 400-watt solar panel between $120 to $200, depending on how
As of 2025, the average cost of residential solar panels in the U.S. is between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. This typically translates to about $2.50 to $3.50 per watt of installed capacity (more on price per watt below). The total price depends on your system size, location, roof type, and installer.
Another measure of the relative cost of solar energy is its price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Whereas the price per watt considers the solar system's size, the price per kWh shows the price of the solar system per unit of energy it produces over a given period of time. Net cost of the system / lifetime output = cost per kilowatt hour
As of January 2025, the average solar panel system costs $2.92/W including installation in New York. For a 5 kW installation, this comes out to about $14,608 before incentives, though prices range from $12,417 to $16,799. After the federal tax credit, the average price drops by 30%. You'll probably pay even less than what we show here.
By carefully balancing these factors – initial investment, potential energy gains, component quality, and ongoing maintenance – you'll be able to select a solar panel tracking system that offers the best long-term value for your specific needs. How Do Solar Tracking Systems Perform in Extreme Weather Conditions?
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