How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? (2026)
Residential solar panel systems cost $0.09 to $0.11 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) installed on average, though prices vary greatly depending on the type of panels and how much daily
Commercial solar installations are a great way for companies to lower energy costs. Generally, installing solar panels on businesses costs a bit less per watt because the systems are larger, but the total costs will be higher. In 2025, the average cost for commercial solar panels is just about $2.00 per watt.
Some municipalities also add special inspection or net metering setup fees. Panel selection creates subtle cost differences. Standard monocrystalline panels in 2025 cost around $0.80–$1.00 per watt, while polycrystalline panels average $0.60–$0.75 per watt.
As of publishing, the average cost per watt is $2.84. Most solar companies set the price according to the solar system's wattage. A solar installation's “cost per watt” is a little like the “price per square foot” when you buy a house. It helps compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes.
On the high end, we talked to a solar customer in Hawaii who spent $100,000 going solar. Dion in Nevada said their 10-kW system cost about $20,000, which is about the national average price for a 7-kW system. What else affects solar installation costs?
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