How much does solar installation cost on average in 2025? The average cost is around $2. 90 per watt, making a typical 6-kilowatt system approximately $17,400 before incentives.
Solar panels generate “free” electricity, but installing a system still costs money. A typical 8-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system costs $22,712 before considering any financial incentives. Your energy needs determine the system size you need, which affects the overall price of your solar panel installation.
For example, the average cost of a solar system purchased through solar.com is 6-8 cents per kWh, depending on the size of the system, type of equipment, and local incentives. Let's compare that to the average cost of utility electricity in each state. How Much Does Electricity Cost in 2024?
Maintaining your solar panels costs anywhere from $140 to $180 annually or an average of $150 per year if you hire a pro to maintain your solar panels. At this cost, your pro will inspect the panels for signs of repairs.
Mounting system: This is what holds rooftop solar panels in place. Costs vary depending on the type of solar installation, but it generally costs between 7 and 20 cents per watt. Electrical wiring and hardware: This includes the wiring, switches and circuit breakers required to connect the solar panel system to your home's electrical system.
The average solar panel system in 2024 costs about $31,558 before factoring in tax credits and solar incentives. The Residential Clean Energy Credit is part of the Inflation Reduction Act and offsets the total cost of solar panels by 30 percent when you file your annual federal tax return.
The payment plan will involve monthly payments over a period of time with interest added, which does increase your costs by anywhere from 2.99% to 36% depending on your credit score, lender and loan duration. In some states, homeowners can lease solar panels or finance them through what is known as a power purchase agreement (PPA).