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How much does a home solar system cost?

US national rangeUpdated Prices checked October 20262 sources

A home solar system costs $27,526 to $33,869 in the US, with a typical job around $31,135. Basis: per system: about 12 kW at about $2.60 per watt, before incentives. Figures from EnergySage, checked October 2026.

US national range, per system: about 12 kW at about $2.60 per watt, before incentives

Low
$27,526
Typical
$31,135
High
$33,869

Solar panel installation cost: low, typical and high

Each row says exactly what the figures are and where they come from.

Solar panel installation cost: low, typical and high
EstimateLowTypicalHighBasisChecked
US national range$27,526$31,135$33,869Per system: about 12 kW at about $2.60 per watt, before incentives (EnergySage)October 2026

What drives the cost of a home solar system

  1. System size

    Larger systems generally cost less per watt.

  2. Roof complexity

    Multiple planes, dormers, skylights and shading add equipment and labor.

  3. Electrical panel

    A panel under 200 amps may need an upgrade, which can add a few thousand dollars.

  4. Equipment and installer

    Panel brand, inverter type and installer overhead change the price.

  5. Location and incentives

    Sunlight, electricity use and state or utility incentives vary by state.

Permits and what's included

Permit note

Permitting and utility interconnection make up about 8% of the total cost. Your installer normally files both.

What’s usually included

  • Panels, inverter and racking
  • Design, permitting and interconnection paperwork
  • Installation labor

Scopes vary. Get the scope in writing on every quote.

Solar panel installation cost: questions

How much does a home solar system cost?

A home solar system costs $27,526 to $33,869 in the US, with a typical job around $31,135. Basis: per system: about 12 kW at about $2.60 per watt, before incentives. Figures from EnergySage, checked October 2026.

What affects the cost of a home solar system?

System size: larger systems generally cost less per watt. Roof complexity: multiple planes, dormers, skylights and shading add equipment and labor. Electrical panel: a panel under 200 amps may need an upgrade, which can add a few thousand dollars. Equipment and installer: panel brand, inverter type and installer overhead change the price.

Do I need a permit for a home solar system?

Permitting and utility interconnection make up about 8% of the total cost. Your installer normally files both.

What is usually included in the price?

Panels, inverter and racking; Design, permitting and interconnection paperwork; Installation labor. Always get the scope in writing on the quote.

Where do these prices come from?

The low, typical and high figures come from EnergySage (“Solar panel cost”, updated October 16, 2026). We checked them in October 2026. They are national estimates, not quotes.

Sources

Checked October 2026. Figures are estimates, not quotes.

  1. EnergySage: Solar panel cost · page updated October 16, 2026 · checked October 2026Primary source. Used for: Low, typical and high; basis; drivers; permitting share.
  2. Journal of Light Construction: 2025 Cost vs. Value Report: Solar Power Installation · page updated 2025 · checked October 2026Used for: Regional adjustment ratio.
These are published estimates, checked October 2026. They are not quotes. Typical range shown: $27,526 to $33,869. Editorial policy

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