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How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026?

For most U.S. homes, a rooftop solar system costs somewhere between $12,000 and $33,000 before incentives, with the majority of installations landing in the $16,000–$26,000 range. The range is wide for one simple reason: the price depends almost entirely on how large a system you need and where you live.

The clearest way to compare quotes is per watt of capacity, because it removes system size from the picture. Across the U.S., installed residential solar currently runs roughly $2.00 to $3.30 per watt before any tax credits or rebates — about $2,000 to $3,300 per kilowatt (kW).

Typical system cost by size

Most homes install a system between 6 kW and 11 kW. Using the price range above, here is roughly what that costs before incentives:

• 6 kW — a smaller or energy-efficient home — about $12,000 to $19,800
• 8 kW — a typical U.S. household — about $16,000 to $26,400
• 10 kW — a larger home or higher usage — about $20,000 to $33,000

These are ballpark figures. Two identical homes in different states can receive very different quotes because of local labor rates, permitting, and how much installers compete for business in the area.

What drives the price

• System size. The biggest single factor — more panels cost more overall, but usually less per watt.
• Equipment. Premium high-efficiency panels cost more than standard ones; adding battery storage adds several thousand dollars.
• Your roof. Steep, complex, or multi-section roofs take longer to install than a simple one.
• Location. Labor, permitting, and inspection costs vary widely from state to state and city to city.

What about incentives?

One important change for 2026: the 30% federal residential solar tax credit ended on December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, so homeowners who buy their own system now can no longer claim it. Systems installed on or before that date may still qualify.

State and local incentives can still reduce your net cost, though, and they vary widely by location — net metering, rebates, and sales- or property-tax exemptions are common in many states. Because these programs change and differ from place to place, confirm exactly what is currently available where you live before you budget.

Estimating the cost for your home

The numbers above are national averages. The fastest way to see a realistic figure for your home — based on your state, system size, and electricity usage — is to run it through the free SunWise solar panel cost calculator. It estimates your system cost and also shows how long it takes to pay back and what you could save over 25 years.

Once you have a cost in mind, it helps to understand two related questions: how many solar panels you actually need, and how long solar panels take to pay for themselves.