How much do solar panels cost for a house?

A typical US home system costs $2.50 to $3.50 per watt installed before incentives. A 7.3 kW system therefore runs roughly $18,000 to $25,500 gross, with the federal tax credit cutting the net cost substantially.

Why do solar quotes vary so much?

Installers price labor, overhead, and margin differently, and equipment choices vary. Three quotes for the same roof can differ by $5,000 or more, which is why comparing quotes matters more than comparing national averages.

Solar Panel Cost Calculator: What a Home System Really Costs in 2026

Sticker shock keeps a lot of homeowners from ever pricing solar. Here is what a residential system actually costs in 2026, line by line.

A typical US home solar system costs $2.50 to $3.50 per watt installed before incentives, so a 7.3 kW system runs roughly $18,000 to $25,500. Roof complexity, equipment choice, and local labor move the price; federal and state incentives can cut the net cost by a third or more. Run your own numbers with the free solar panel calculator.

What solar costs per watt in 2026

National installed prices cluster around $2.95 per watt for a standard rooftop system, which puts a 7.3 kW system near $21,500 before incentives. Premium panels and microinverters push toward $3.50 per watt, while high-volume installers in competitive markets dip toward $2.50.

That per-watt figure covers equipment, labor, permitting, and the installer margin. It does not include batteries, which add $8,000 to $15,000 for a typical home backup battery, or main-panel upgrades, which run $1,500 to $3,000 when your panel cannot take the solar breaker.

What drives the price up or down

Roof complexity is the biggest cost lever. A simple single-plane asphalt roof installs fast; tile roofs, steep pitches, and multi-plane layouts add labor hours and racking costs. Ground mounts cost more than rooftop but can face the perfect direction.

Equipment choices move the needle too. Higher-efficiency panels cost more per panel but need fewer of them, which helps on small roofs. Microinverters cost more than a single string inverter but monitor each panel and handle shade better.

Local labor markets and permitting fees explain most regional price gaps. Getting three quotes is the single best way to find your market's real price, since quotes for the same roof can differ by thousands.

How incentives change the math

The federal solar tax credit lets homeowners claim a percentage of the system cost against their taxes; check current IRS rules for the 2026 rate and eligibility, since the credit has a phase-down schedule. On a $21,500 system, the credit is worth thousands.

Many states add their own incentives: rebates, property tax exemptions for the added home value, and net metering rules that credit you for surplus power. Stack the federal credit with state programs before you judge the price.