Solar Panel Cost Calculator (2026)
Estimate installed solar cost by system size and state, then see the simple payback period. Most U.S. homes install 6–10 kW for $15,000–$35,000 before incentives.
What system size?
Cost by material / system
| Option | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
What drives the price
Installed cost tracks system size (roughly $2,400–$3,500 per kW before incentives), roof complexity and local labor. The federal residential credit and state incentives can cut the net cost by 30% or more; payback typically runs 7–12 years depending on electricity rates.
Cost by state
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming District of Columbia
FAQ
How much do solar panels cost?
A typical 6–8 kW residential system runs $15,000–$28,000 installed before incentives. Net cost after the federal credit is often around 30% lower.
What is the payback period?
Usually 7–12 years, driven by your 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.