Solar Panel Cost Guide (2026)
What home solar actually costs, by system size, panel type and city. Ranges are what you pay — the 30% federal owner-purchase credit ended in 2025 — to budget with and to check installer quotes against.
Solar cost by panel and system type
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Monocrystalline Solar Panels | $16,000 – $30,000 |
| Polycrystalline Solar Panels | $14,000 – $26,000 |
| Thin-Film Solar Panels | $12,000 – $22,000 |
| Off-Grid Solar System | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Solar Shingles | $30,000 – $60,000 |
Figures are the full price; the 30% federal owner-purchase credit ended in 2025. Larger systems and premium panels cost more.
Solar cost by system size
System size in kilowatts (kW) is the main cost driver. Estimated cost by system size (federal 25D owner-purchase credit ended 2025):
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| 4 kW system | $9,600 – $13,600 |
| 6 kW system | $14,400 – $20,400 |
| 8 kW system | $19,200 – $27,200 |
| 10 kW system | $24,000 – $34,000 |
| 12 kW system | $28,800 – $40,800 |
Estimate your solar system cost
Enter your system size and city for a range specific to you.
Is solar worth it for your home?
- High or rising monthly electric bills
- A sunny, unshaded roof (south or west facing is best)
- You plan to stay 6+ years to reach payback
- Your utility offers net metering or a fair buyback rate
- Your state or utility offers solar rebates or incentives
- Your roof is in good shape (replace an old roof first)
How to save
- Get three or more quotes — solar pricing varies widely by installer
- Consider a lease/PPA — it can still capture the federal 48E credit (owner-purchase 25D ended 2025)
- Check state and utility rebates and net-metering terms
- Right-size the system to your real usage, do not oversize
- Compare cash vs loan — financing adds dealer fees
- Add a battery only if you truly need backup power
Explore costs by type
Solar cost by city
Other project costs
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost?
A typical residential system runs about $14,000 to $35,000 installed, depending on size and panel type. Note the 30% federal owner-purchase tax credit (Section 25D) ended on December 31, 2025, so a 2026 cash or loan purchase gets no federal credit; state and utility incentives may still apply.
Do solar panels pay for themselves?
In most sunny, high-rate markets a system pays back in roughly 7–12 years through bill savings, then produces low-cost power for its remaining 15+ year life.
Is there still a federal solar tax credit?
The 30% residential credit (Section 25D) for homeowner-owned systems expired on December 31, 2025 under the 2025 budget law — a 2026 cash or loan purchase gets $0 federal credit. Leases and PPAs can still capture the commercial 48E credit through 2027, and some states and utilities offer their own incentives.