A professionally installed residential solar system in the United States is usually $16,000 to $31,000 before local incentives in 2026. A typical 6 kW system costs about $16,080, a 7 kW system costs about $18,340, and a 12 kW system costs about $31,135 before incentives.
These prices include the panels, inverter, mounting equipment, electrical work, permits, labor and installer costs. The panels are one line item in the total price.
Solar Panel Prices at a Glance
| Solar system size | Approximate use | Average installed cost before incentives |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | Small home or partial electricity use | $11,560 |
| 5 kW | Smaller household | $13,900 |
| 6 kW | Small to average home | $16,080 |
| 7 kW | Average home in some regions | $18,340 |
| 8 kW | Average household with higher usage | $20,960 |
| 10 kW | Larger home or high electricity use | $25,800 |
| 12 kW | Large home or near-total electricity offset | About $31,135 |
EnergySage reports an average solar quote of $2.60 per watt and an average system size of approximately 12 kW. Your price may differ based on location, roof design, electricity use and installer.
How Much Do Solar Panels Themselves Cost?
The panels typically make up a small share of the full installation price. In EnergySage's 12 kW cost breakdown, the panel component averaged $3,736, or about 12% of the total $31,135 system price. The remaining cost covers the inverter, wiring, racking, labor, permitting, sales, overhead and installation.
A 12 kW system using 400-watt panels would need about 30 panels. The Department of Energy's representative 2025 residential benchmark uses 400-watt modules.
Buying panels separately can make the equipment seem less expensive, but a panel-only price does not include the equipment and work needed to connect the system safely to your home and the electrical grid.
What Makes a Solar Installation More Expensive?
System size, roof design, shading, electrical work, local labor and equipment choice have the largest effect on the final price.
- System size: Larger systems produce more electricity but cost more overall.
- Roof complexity: Multiple roof sections, dormers, skylights and steep slopes can increase labor and mounting costs.
- Shading: Trees and nearby buildings may require additional panels or different inverter equipment.
- Electrical upgrades: An outdated electrical panel may need replacement or rewiring.
- Local labor and permitting: Installation costs differ between states and cities.
- Equipment choice: Premium panels, microinverters and extended warranties can raise the quote.
- Financing: Solar loans can include dealer fees that increase the upfront system price.
- Battery storage: A battery adds a separate equipment and installation cost.
The Department of Energy lists modules, inverters, structural equipment, electrical equipment, fieldwork and office costs as separate parts of a residential solar system price.
Do Solar Loans Cost More Than Paying Cash?
Usually, yes. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory reported a 2024 median installed price of $3.50 per watt for residential systems bought with cash, compared with $4.70 per watt for loan-financed systems. Dealer fees were one reason financed prices were higher.
For an 8 kW system:
- At $3.50 per watt, the price would be about $28,000.
- At $4.70 per watt, the price would be about $37,600.
Compare the total repayment amount, not just the monthly payment. A lower monthly payment may come from a longer loan term or a higher dealer fee.
How Much Does a Solar Battery Add?
A solar battery is optional. Solar panels can lower your electricity bill without a battery, while storage can provide backup power and let you use more solar electricity after sunset.
EnergySage's first-half 2026 data shows battery system examples ranging from approximately $7,600 to more than $18,000. The price depends on location, battery capacity, equipment and installation requirements.
A battery usually costs more when you want whole-home backup instead of backup for a few essential circuits.
Is the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit Still Available?
No. The Residential Clean Energy Credit does not apply to new residential solar expenditures made after December 31, 2025. The IRS says the credit is unavailable for qualifying expenditures made after that date. Do not include the federal 30% credit when estimating the cost of a new solar installation in 2026.
State, utility and local incentives may still lower the price. Their availability depends on where you live and may change over time.
What Is a Reasonable Solar Price?
Before local incentives, these figures provide a useful starting point for a U.S. home:
- Under $15,000: Often a smaller system, limited roof coverage or a highly competitive quote
- $16,000 to $21,000: Common for a 6 kW to 8 kW system
- $25,000 to $32,000: Common for a 10 kW to 12 kW system
- Above $35,000: May be reasonable for a large system, battery, complex roof, electrical upgrades or a high-cost market
A quote should list the system capacity in kilowatts, expected annual electricity production, equipment brands, warranty terms, financing fees, permits, electrical upgrades and whether battery storage is included.
How Should You Compare Solar Quotes?
Compare each quote using the total system price, cost per watt, projected production and financing terms.
- Calculate the price per watt. Divide the total system price by the system size in watts.
- Separate the cash price from the financed price.
- Check projected annual production, not just the number of panels.
- Confirm what the quote includes, including roof repairs, panel upgrades and permits.
- Review the equipment warranties for the panels, inverter and workmanship.
- Get at least three quotes from qualified local installers.
- Ask how the installer calculated savings, especially if your utility provides limited compensation for excess electricity.
The Department of Energy recommends comparing solar proposals by converting each quote to cost per watt.
Bottom Line
For a 2026 solar quote, compare the complete installed price rather than the panel price alone. The quote should also show the cost per watt, projected annual production, equipment warranties, financing costs and any battery or electrical work. Those details make it easier to tell whether two systems with similar panel counts are actually comparable.