Solar panel installation costs $11,560 to $45,000 per home system in 2026
Solar panel installation costs $11,560 to $45,000 in 2026 before incentives, depending on system size. Fixr puts the national average at $23,100, or $3.04 per watt. HomeGuide lists $3.00 to $4.50 per watt. EnergySage lists $2.60 per watt, and This Old House lists an average system at $24,222. Bigger systems cost more in total. Prices also differ by home and by state.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists $3.00 to $4.50 per watt before incentives, $18,000 to $45,000 for a 6 to 10 kW system, and $9,000 to $13,500 for 3 kW. |
| Fixr | Fixr lists a national average of $23,100 and $3.04 per watt, a 6 kW system at $18,200, and says the federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. |
| This Old House | This Old House lists an average system at $24,222, a range of $2.29 to $3.65 per watt by state, and $24,000 to $36,000 for a full home system. |
| EnergySage | EnergySage lists $2.60 per watt, a 4 kW system at $11,560, a 6 kW system at $16,080, and a 12 kW system at $31,135 on average. |
Solar panel cost by system size
| System size | Cost before incentives | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | $9,000 to $13,500 | HomeGuide |
| 4 kW | $11,560 | EnergySage |
| 5 kW | $15,200 | Fixr |
| 6 kW | $18,000 to $27,000 | HomeGuide |
| 6 kW | $16,080 | EnergySage |
| 8 kW | $24,300 | Fixr |
| 10 kW | $30,000 to $45,000 | HomeGuide |
| 12 kW, average | $31,135 | EnergySage |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| System size | You pay for each kilowatt. Fixr lists a 6 kW system at $18,200 and a 10 kW system at $30,400, both before incentives. |
| Price per watt | Installers quote by the watt. HomeGuide lists $3.00 to $4.50 per watt, Fixr lists $3.04, and EnergySage lists $2.60. |
| Home size | A bigger home needs more panels. This Old House lists $14,319 for one bedroom, $15,866 for two, $24,222 for three, and $26,500 for four. |
| Where you live | Rates change by state. This Old House lists $2.29 per watt in South Dakota and $3.65 per watt in New Hampshire. |
| Tax credit rules | Fixr says the federal solar tax credit ended on December 31, 2025 for homeowner owned systems. Other sites still show a 30 percent credit, so check. |
What the price includes
A solar quote normally covers the panels, the inverter, the mounting gear, and the labor to put them in. Permits, the utility hookup, and a battery may be priced on their own. Roof repairs, tree work, and a new electrical panel can cost extra. Ask the installer to list every item and what is not in the price. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Solar companies, local electricians, and national installers sell and install systems. Most quote a price per watt, so the total is the price per watt times the size of the system. Fixr lists $3.04 per watt, HomeGuide $3.00 to $4.50, and EnergySage $2.60. Some firms ask for a deposit, then more when the panels are up, and the rest when the utility says you can turn the system on. Ask for the full price, the payment dates, and who handles permits. Also ask whether the quote is a cash price or a loan or lease.
When you need this
You may look at solar if your power bills are high, your roof gets a lot of sun, and you plan to stay in your home for years. An old or damaged roof may need repair first. Compare your yearly power use with the system size before you sign, and check the tax credit rules, since Fixr says the federal credit ended at the end of 2025.
How to judge your quote
- Does the quote list the system size in kW, the total cost, and the price per watt?
- Does it list the panel brand, the inverter, and the warranty?
- Are permits, the utility hookup, and roof work included?
- Does it say which tax credits or rebates were counted?
- Compare the total with the range above: $11,560 to $45,000 per home system for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Get three or more written quotes for the same size system and compare the price per watt, not just the total.
- Ask each installer to list the panel brand, the inverter, and the warranty, so you compare the same system.
- Size the system to your power use. A bigger one costs more, such as Fixr's 8 kW at $24,300 against its 6 kW at $18,200.
- Ask which tax credits and local rebates still apply. Fixr says the federal credit for homeowner owned systems ended on December 31, 2025.
- Ask what a battery or other extras would cost, and add them only if you need them.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from HomeGuide, Fixr, This Old House and EnergySage. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does solar cost for a home?
Fixr puts the national average at $23,100. This Old House lists an average system at $24,222, and HomeGuide lists $18,000 to $45,000 for 6 to 10 kW.
How much does solar cost per watt?
Fixr lists $3.04, HomeGuide lists $3.00 to $4.50, and EnergySage lists $2.60, all before incentives.
How much does a 6 kW system cost?
HomeGuide lists $18,000 to $27,000. Fixr lists $18,200 and EnergySage lists $16,080, all before incentives.
Is there still a federal tax credit?
Fixr says the federal solar tax credit expired on December 31, 2025 for homeowner owned systems. Other sites still list a 30 percent credit, so ask an installer and a tax pro.
How much does a larger system cost?
Fixr lists $30,400 for 10 kW and $36,500 for 12 kW. EnergySage lists $31,135 for a 12 kW system on average.