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Solar Panel Cost Cost Guide (2026)
Estimate installed solar cost by system size and state, then request local installer quotes.
Open the solar panel cost calculator
Typical cost ranges
These are installed-cost planning ranges for the options modelled by the calculator.
| Option | Typical range |
|---|---|
| 4 kW (small home) | $10,000 – $14,000 |
| 6 kW (average home) | $15,000 – $21,000 |
| 8 kW (larger home) | $20,000 – $28,000 |
| 10 kW (high usage) | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| 12 kW+ (EV / all-electric) | $30,000 – $42,000 |
Planning ranges, not quotes. Your project's access, condition and local code can move the number.
What changes the price
Installed cost tracks system size (roughly $2,400–$3,500 per kW before incentives), roof complexity and local labor. Federal and state incentives can cut net cost by 30% or more.
- Battery storage — +$8,000 – $15,000 per number of systems
- Electrical panel upgrade — +$1,500 – $4,000 per number of systems
State differences
Local labour rates change the same job by 10–40%. Examples for the cheapest option above (full 51-state adjustment in the calculator):
| State | Multiplier | Adjusted range |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | ×1.05 | $10,500 – $14,700 |
| California | ×1.45 | $14,500 – $20,300 |
| Florida | ×1.05 | $10,500 – $14,700 |
| Georgia | ×0.95 | $9,500 – $13,300 |
| Illinois | ×1.02 | $10,200 – $14,280 |
| New York | ×1.30 | $13,000 – $18,200 |
| Ohio | ×0.92 | $9,200 – $12,880 |
| Texas | ×0.98 | $9,800 – $13,720 |
How to use the calculator
- Enter your project size and choose the material or system.
- Add optional items (removal, permits, upgrades) and your state.
- Read the planning range and line-item breakdown.
- Have a quote? Paste it into the quote checker to see where it sits.
Before you hire
- Verify the contractor's licence and insurance with the official state source — see our verification guide.
- Get three written quotes using the same scope.
- Use our project checklist to compare permits, disposal and warranty.
FAQ
How much do solar panels cost?
A typical 6–8 kW residential system runs $15,000–$28,000 installed before incentives.
What is the payback period?
Usually 7–12 years, driven by electricity rate, system size and local incentives.
Do I need a battery?
Not for savings alone; batteries add $8,000–$15,000 and mainly buy backup power or time-of-use arbitrage.
Related cost guides
AC Replacement Cost guide
Read guide →Attic Insulation Cost guide
Read guide →Basement Finishing Cost guide
Read guide →Concrete Slab Cost guide
Read guide →How we build these ranges: methodology and data sources. CostBrick is an information and referral service — not a contractor and not a quote.