Average cost of solar panels by state.
The average price (after federal tax credits) for a 6-kilowatt (kW) system is $11,810, but costs vary based on labor standards, environmental incentives, quality of solar equipment, and other factors. Depending on the size of the roof and energy needs, you could pay anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.
According to EcoWatch, the national average cost of installing solar panels is $23,879 for a solar investment before the 30% federal tax credit (ITC). After using the credit, the price drops to $16,715.
» Compare: The Best Solar Energy Companies of 2023
| Average price per watt | Normal system size | Average price after TIC | Recovery time* | Estimated net savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2.45 | 11.5 kW | $19,723 | 11 years | $28,590 |
| Alaska | $2.41 | 6 kW | $1,012 | 7 years | $34,500 |
| Arizona | $2.61 | 11.5 kW | $21,011 | 12 years | $23,891 |
| Arkansas | $2.54 | 11 kW | $19,558 | 13 years | $15,567 |
| California | $2.73 | 4.5 kW | $11,466 | 8 years | 30,000 dollars |
| Colorado | $2.69 | 7.5 kW | $14,123 | 12 years | $14,479 |
| Connecticut | $2.80 | 7.5 kW | $14,700 | 8 years | 42705 dollars |
| Delaware | $2.58 | 9.5 kW | 1 7 157 USD | 12 years | 29016 dollars |
| Florida | $2.53 | 11.5 kW | $20,367 | 12 years | $21,500 |
| Georgia | $2.55 | 11 kW | $19,635 | 12 years | $23,182 |
| Hawaiian Islands | $2.67 | 5.5 kW | $10,280 | 6 years | $49,459 |
| Idaho | $2.60 | 10 kilowatts | $18,200 | 14 years | $11,478 |
| Illinois | $2.73 | 7.5 kW | $14,333 | 12 years | $16,585 |
| Indiana | $2.68 | 9.5 kW | $17,822 | 12 years | $21,994 |
| Iowa | $2.77 | 9 kW | $17,451 | 12 years | $17,572 |
| Kansas | $2.59 | 9 kW | 16317 dollars | 11 years | $21,455 |
| Kentucky | $2.34 | 11 kW | 1 8 018 dollars | 12 years | 20,247 dollars |
| Louisiana | $2.57 | 12.5 kW | $22,488 | 14 years | 1 3 646 dollars |
| Me | $2.83 | 5.7 kW | $11,886 | 10 years | $25,880 |
| Maryland | $2.77 | 10 kilowatts | 19390 dollars | 12 years | $21,395 |
| Massachusetts | $2.94 | 6.5 kW | $13,377 | 8 years | $33,013 |
| Michigan | $2.81 | 7 kilowatts | 13769 dollars | 10 years | $23,652 |
| Minnesota | $2.84 | 8 kW | $15,904 | 12 years | $17,546 |
| Mississippi | $2.64 | 11.5 kW | 21,252 USD | 13 years | 20147 dollars |
| Missouri | $2.59 | 10.5 kW | $19,037 | 13 years | 18,292 USD |
| mountain | $2.54 | 9 kW | $16,002 | 13 years | $15,189 |
| Nebraska | $2.83 | 10.5 kW | $20,801 | 14 years | $13,421 |
| Snowfall | $2.52 | 10 kilowatts | 1 7 640 USD | 12 years | $18,319 |
| New Hampshire | $2.91 | 6.5 kW | 1 3241 USD | 9 years | $28,409 |
| New Jersey | $2.77 | 7 kilowatts | $13,573 | 10 years | $23,806 |
| New Mexico | $2.68 | 7 kilowatts | 1 3 132 USD | 12 years | $15,413 |
| NY: | $2.94 | 6.5 kW | $13,423 | 10 years | $24,387 |
| North Carolina | $2.54 | 6 kW | $13,815 | 13 years | 20035 dollars |
| North Dakota | $2.42 | 11 kW | 1 8 634 USD | 13 years | $26,028 |
| Ohio | $2.56 | 9.5 kW | 16128 dollars | 12 years | 19,272 USD |
| Oklahoma | $2.62 | 11 kW | 20174 dollars | 14 years | 1 4 190 USD |
| Oregon | $2.60 | 9.5 kW | 1 7 290 USD | 14 years | $23,058 |
| Pennsylvania | $2.55 | 8.5 kW | $15,173 | 10 years | $23,634 |
| Rhode Island | $2.84 | 6 kW | $11,928 | 8 years | $34,519 |
| South Carolina | $2.72 | 11 kW | $20,944 | 12 years | $24,561 |
| South Dakota | $2.39 | 10.5 kW | $17,566 | 12 years | $22,923 |
| Tennessee | $2.49 | 12 kW | $20,916 | 13 years | 19688 dollars |
| Texas | $2.69 | 8.5 kW | 2 1 654 dollars | 13 years | 21350 dollars |
| Utah | $2.68 | 8 kW | $15,008 | 14 years | 10,202 dollars |
| Vermont | $2.87 | 6 kW | 1 2 054 USD | 9 years | $26,468 |
| Virginia | $2.75 | 11 kW | 21,175 USD | 12 years | 21,692 USD |
| Washington | $2.69 | 10 kilowatts | $18,830 | 16 years | $10,846 |
| West Virginia | $2.64 | 11 kW | $20,328 | 13 years | $19,893 |
| Wisconsin | $2.60 | 7 kilowatts | 12740 dollars | 10 years | $21,005 |
| Wyoming | $2.57 | 9 kW | 16,191 USD | 13 years | $14,959 |
* When you pay in advance
- Solar panel pricing by state.
- Solar incentives from the state
How much does it cost to install solar panels?
Most chargers cost an average of $2.50 to $5 depending on system power. Cost per watt is the cost per unit of energy a solar panel system can generate; If a 5 kW (5,000 watt) system costs $3 per watt, the total system cost is $15,000 (5,000 watts x $3).
The difference between $3 and $4 per watt can be thousands of dollars.
For example, ConsumerAffairs appraiser Brady in California suggested a price of about $26,000 for a 5 kW system.
"For a 4.97 kW system ... it would cost between $13,071 and $17,047," Brad said. Personally, I would expect a price of $13,668 for a 4.97 kW system (2.75 watts).
If you only need a few panels for a small DIY project, expect to pay $200 to $350 per panel (80 cents to $1.40 per watt). It's still important to get multiple quotes for any size system. A difference of $3-$4 per watt can add up to thousands of dollars.
» Buy it. Cheapest solar panels
Sharing the cost of installing solar panels
Your energy needs will determine how many panels you need, which will affect the total cost of installing your home solar system. Local weather and the amount of sunlight in your area play a role in how much you pay.
- He needs your energy
- If you want to completely eliminate electricity bills, you need to generate 100% of the electricity your home needs. Most American homes need 15 to 30 panels to meet their electrical needs. The standard size of solar panels is 5½ feet long and 3 feet wide, so consider the size of your roof.
Larger systems require more materials and labor to install, so they usually cost more than smaller systems. If you have limited ceiling space, you may want more efficient (and more expensive) panels.
"Do you know how solar panels work ?
- Type and quality of panels.
- Not all solar panels are the same. Here are the top three things to look for when comparing options:
- Long life. Solar panels are designed to last for decades, so they must withstand harsh weather conditions and high temperatures. Look for panels with a solid frame and tempered glass.
- Efficiency. High-efficiency panels convert more sunlight into electricity, meaning you can generate more power with fewer panels. Look for panels with a high efficiency rating, usually over 18%.
- Guarantee. Panels are usually guaranteed for 10 to 25 years. A longer warranty shows that the panel manufacturer is confident in the quality of the product.
Of the three types of panels available, monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are most commonly used for heating homes. In general, monocrystalline panels are more efficient but more expensive than polycrystalline.
» Buy it. The best solar panels of 2023
- Hard and soft costs
- Installing a solar panel system has two main costs: hard costs and soft costs. The materials required for the design, such as panels, wires and inverters, are heavy costs. Soft costs are related to labor, licenses, deposits, and administrative costs.
Solar panels, the main component of a home solar system, usually cover the cost, but other equipment such as inverters, as well as labor and permits, are also included in the total cost.
- Inverter: A solar inverter converts the generated DC current into AC electricity that can be used to power your home. The cost of an inverter depends on its size and efficiency, but these devices typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
- Battery: You can also buy a solar panel to store energy at home . A battery can add up to $14,000.
- Installation system. This is what attaches the solar panels to the roofs. Costs vary depending on the type of installation, but generally range from 7 cents to 20 cents per watt.
- Electrical Wiring and Hardware - This includes the cables, switches, and switches needed to connect the solar panel to your home's electrical system. Electrical equipment and wiring costs are typically 10 to 20 cents per watt.
- Work: Installation costs also include hiring an electrician to run the wiring, hook it up to your home, and install the various electronic devices to convert the power from the panels to AC voltage in your home.
Labor costs typically range from 50 cents to $1 per watt, but can vary widely depending on where you live and the complexity of the installation.
- Permits: Permits ensure that the installation of solar panels is safe, compliant with regulations and eligible for incentives and rebates. Prices vary by location, but a residential solar permit costs several hundred dollars.
Some state regulations cover permit fees (Colorado covers $500 for residential projects and $1,000 for commercial projects; California covers residential fees of $450).
" more. 72 mobile solar panels versus 60 cells
- The condition of your roof
- Now do a thorough inspection of your roof and make sure you get pictures. Before installing solar panels, it is best to take care of roof maintenance. This is more cost effective than removing the panels and then reinstalling them.
A reviewer from California told us he found a leak in his roof a year after installing the panels. He said the solar company paid $5,000 to "remove and install the panels after the roof was fixed" and "had I known the roof was in such bad shape, I would have replaced the installed panels before replacing them."
MORE: Should you replace your roof before going solar?
- Federal and state incentives
- The federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), is a tax credit of 30% of the total cost of a new solar PV system. Homeowners, businesses and nonprofits may be eligible, but there are some restrictions. For example, there should be panels. Solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are not eligible for tax credits.
State and local incentives can help reduce upfront costs, but not everyone can take full advantage of them.
Every state is different when it comes to solar energy. Some states, such as New Jersey and Arizona, offer sales and property tax incentives to encourage the purchase of solar equipment. Others, like Kentucky, not so much.
Be sure to take advantage of state clean energy programs while lowering your upfront costs and shortening your payback period. Search for policies and incentives through the State Initiative for Renewable Energy and Efficiency (DSIRE) database.
» Buy it. Your solar energy savings will go the extra mile
How Much Do Solar Panels Save?
Switching to a home solar system can reduce your energy costs by 75%. The savings you see will vary based on your electricity rate, weather conditions and your specific energy needs.
Like many of the solar customers we spoke to, Brandi, who lives in Texas, says, "It's brought the electric bill down a lot, so the price we're paying for the solar panels and the electricity we're using ... is still a lot." Cheaper than what we paid. Diana from Pennsylvania told us that even after going solar in the summer, her electric bills range from $0 to $10.
Depending on the cost of a solar energy system, it could take seven years or more to break even, according to Wayne Turett, founder of an architectural firm specializing in sustainable design.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average electric bill is between $80 and $178 per month.
The good news is that with technological advancements and increased competition in the market, we expect solar equipment to continue to be affordable.
» Research. The most efficient solar panels
Consider other costs
Some people find their electricity bills go up again if there's a problem with their system, like Eunice from Nevada, who didn't realize her inverter needed to be replaced, leading to an unexpected increase in her utility bill.
"Everything went well and my energy bill averaged $13 to $15 a month," Younis said. "At the end of September 2022, I received a $429 bill from NV Energy."
Therefore, please note that maintenance including panel cleaning and occasional repairs (depending on warranties) will be added to the total cost. Most solar chicks offer monitoring programs to see how much energy your system is producing and if it needs maintenance.
» Compare: Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy
How do I pay for solar panels?
Like buying a new car, you can pay the full cost of solar panels up front, but many don't.
Home and business owners often use a mortgage, solar lease, or PPA to cover or prepay expenses. You can also consider a cash or HELOC.
Money
If you can pay cash, it's often cheaper in the long run. For example, see David's comment in California:
"The funding was 18 thousand dollars. “If I paid cash, it was $15,000 and they gave me a $1,000 debit card. It only cost me $14,000. I totally agree. I haven't paid my electricity bill for six months. I would recommend it to anyone."
" more. What is the ROI of solar panels?
Solar credit
In general, solar loans work like any other loan. There is an application and approval process, and you repay the loan in installments over time. Whether this makes sense for you depends on your situation and your balance point.
"They did the math," said Christian, a solar customer from California.
"Instead of paying $100 or $200 on my electric bill, if I use the same or less energy, I just pay $150 in financing," he said. But just six years, then the panels will be mine and I won't have to pay anymore.
Just remember to pay attention to the interest rate. Another critic from California said, “They pay more on the mortgage than I save on utilities. The interest payments alone are over $1,000 a year and will continue for a long time.
" more. Best solar finance companies
Lease
With solar leasing, you don't own the equipment. Instead, you pay a monthly fee to use the solar system for the duration of the lease. Your rental company is responsible for maintaining and repairing the solar panel during this period.
Dan, another solar customer in California, said, “He chose leasing over buying. Therefore, we do not need to advance any amount. zero. I work in finance/accounting and generally if it sounds too good to be true it usually is. But in this case, it turned out better than we expected. "
At the end of the lease, you usually have the option to renew the lease, purchase the system at fair market value, or allow the leasing company to remove the system from your property.
» Learn. How does solar leasing work?
Electricity purchase agreement
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is another way to install solar panels on your property without paying upfront.
An energy service company (ESCO) installs the panels for you, but owns and maintains them. They then buy the electricity produced by the solar panels from the ESCO at a fixed price.
You can still save on your electricity bills with a PPA, but some critics say they feel locked into one company.
"What is the difference between Sun Lease and Sun PPA ;
Frequently asked questions
Do Solar Panels Increase Your Home's Value?
In general, installing solar panels is a good investment. Studies show that homes with solar panels sell for more than homes without, and the price increase can be significant.
- According to a study by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley Lab, homes with solar panels sell for an average of $15,000 more than similar homes without solar panels.
- A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that solar panels add an average of $20,194 to the sale of homes in the San Diego and Sacramento areas.
- Zillow found that homes with solar panels sold for an average of 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar panels.
The additional cost of solar panels depends on the quality of your system, location and other factors:
» Professional Advice. How to save energy at home
How many solar panels do I need?
The number of solar panels you need will vary depending on your energy consumption, panel efficiency, and other factors.
According to the Energy Information Administration, the average home uses 886 kWh of electricity per month.
One solar panel typically produces about 1.5 kilowatt hours (kWh) per day, so if your daily consumption is 30 kWh, you would need 20 solar panels to generate all your energy needs:
- Energy consumption. To estimate how much energy you need, you need to know your average kWh. This figure should appear on your utility bill as "kWh used": To get the monthly average, look at last year's bills, add up the kWh used and divide by 12:
- Panel output. Then you need to find the output of the solar panel, which is the amount of energy the panel can produce in one hour of sunlight.
"What's the difference? kW vs kW
How does network accounting work?
Sometimes you can produce more electricity than you need, especially on sunny days.
A net meter is a system that allows you to send the extra energy produced by your panels to the electricity grid (the huge network of cables that carries electricity to everyone's home): in return, you receive a credit on your electricity bill:
This also means that if your solar panels don't produce enough electricity (for example on cloudy days), you can still use the grid without paying for electricity because you've already earned credits through net metering:
A reviewer from Texas explains what it's like for them. "When I first signed up, my contract was net metering, so I paid a certain cost per kilowatt-hour used, and the utility paid to buy it from me at the same price: if I produced 200 and consumed 200, my grid consumption was zero, and my bill, in fact, , is zero: my contract has expired and I had to extend it.
They continued. "I now pay 21 cents per kilowatt-hour for usage, and only get 10 cents per kilowatt-hour for what I send back to the grid: There's also another $40 service fee from the utility: So the incentive is the same It's not like it was a year ago: Still, it's good value for money».
This is a win-win situation. you save money on your bill, and the electric grid gets more renewable energy to the people who need it:
» MORE. America's greenest states
How are solar panels installed:
Installing solar panels usually takes just a few days: Technicians install wires that connect the panels to an inverter, which converts the DC power produced by the panels into AC power for use in your home:
"One of the most common misconceptions is that solar energy is a complicated process that involves a lot of work and expensive equipment," says Alan Duncan, founder of Solar Panels Network USA. , and many companies offer prison solutions that take care of everything from design to system installation».
After the installation is complete, an inspector checks the system to make sure it meets local building and safety codes: The system is then connected to your utility's electrical grid: If you're not connected to the grid, you'll need a battery to store the solar energy:
Once this is done, your solar panel system will be activated and ready to generate electricity: You can monitor system performance and power output using the monitoring system provided by the installer:
» CARDAL. Solar panel installation guide
Bottom line. Are solar panels worth it?
After incentives, the total range is $10,000 to $30,000 for the average American household to invest in solar panels: This includes the cost of the panels, installation, and any additional equipment needed:
Whether or not it's worth it depends on how much you can save on your electricity bill: If you're not financially ready to install solar panels yet, you still have options to incorporate solar technology into your life with solar phone chargers and passive solar home designs:
» HAJORD. 7 steps to solar energy
- Sources of the article
- Consumer affairs writers rely primarily on original research from government data, industry experts, and other authoritative publications to inform their work: Specific sources for this article include.
- EnergySage, "How Much Will Solar Panels Cost in 2023": Accessed August 15, 2023.
- EcoWatch, "The Cost of Solar Panels in 2023 (Installation Savings Guide for Homeowners): Accessed August 15, 2023.
- Center for sustainable energy, "Adoption of solar energy". information for homeowners and small businesses»: Accessed on August 15, 2023.
- Solar Energy Industry Association, "Low- and Middle-Income Solar Basics": Accessed August 15, 2023.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, "Berkeley Lab Illuminates Price Premiums for US Solar Home Sales". Accessed on August 15, 2023.
