The cost of installing solar photovoltaic panels

How much does solar panel installation cost?

On the high end, solar panel installation can cost over $40,000. On the low end, it only costs a few thousand. It all depends. Additionally, none of these prices account for incentives like the federal investment tax credit (ITC), which can make your solar system up to 30% more affordable.

How much does a home solar system cost?

According to studies by the U.S. Department of Energy, the all-in cost of a home solar panel system is between $2.74 to $3.30 per watt. 1,2,12 This figure includes the solar panels, the installation, and other expenses. Using these numbers, an average-sized 8-kilowatt residential solar system would cost between $21,900 – $26,400.

How much does a commercial solar system cost?

Commercial solar installations are a great way for companies to lower energy costs. Generally, installing solar panels on businesses costs a bit less per watt because the systems are larger, but the total costs will be higher. In 2025, the average cost for commercial solar panels is just about $2.00 per watt.

How much do solar panels cost per watt?

When you’re looking at solar panels, “cost per watt” tells you how much you’ll pay for each watt of solar energy your system can produce. You’ll usually see this metric quoted in dollars per watt—like $2.50/W. We found the average solar panel system costs $3.56 per watt, while it ranges from $2.79 to $4.22.

Should you install solar panels yourself?

When you install solar yourself, you don’t have to pay labor costs, customer acquisition costs, or installer profit margins. However, installing solar panels is dangerous, and taking the DIY route can void your warranties and even prevent you from connecting to the grid. How much do solar panels cost if I buy used solar panels?

How much does a 12 kW solar panel cost?

The average cost of a 12 kW solar panel installation on EnergySage is $20,754 after the federal tax credit. You'll probably save anywhere from $34,000-$120,000 over 25 years by going solar. Solar panels are just 12% of the total cost of a solar panel installation.