How much do solar panels cost on average? As of 2026, the average cost of residential solar panels in the U. is between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. This typically translates to about $2. 50 per watt of installed capacity (more on price per watt below).
Since your typical solar panel system size is 6. 5 kW, anticipate spending around $3,900 for the panels alone, or somewhere between $1,950 and $5,900. However, system sizes range from 3 kW to 11 kW, so you could see prices for as little as $900 or as much as $8,800.
The following table shows the prices per solar panel, per Wp and per kWh, the number of square meters that these panels occupy, and including installation, materials.
Before installation, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0. However, this price varies based on several factors, such as your location, the size and pitch of your roof, and the complexity of the installation.
50 per watt installed in 2026. A typical 8 kW system: $24,800 before incentives. Full cost-per-watt breakdown, system pricing by size, Tesla pricing, home value impact .