How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? (Jan 2026)
A National Bureau of Economic Research study found that solar panels added an average of $20,194 to the sale price of homes in the San Diego and Sacramento areas.
Factoring in these costs from the beginning ensures there are no unexpected expenses when the battery reaches the end of its useful life. To better understand BESS costs, it's useful to look at the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) stored. As of recent data, the average cost of a BESS is approximately $400-$600 per kWh. Here's a simple breakdown:
As of most recent estimates, the cost of a BESS by MW is between $200,000 and $450,000, varying by location, system size, and market conditions. This translates to around $200 - $450 per kWh, though in some markets, prices have dropped as low as $150 per kWh. Key Factors Influencing BESS Prices
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.
These benchmarks help measure progress toward goals for reducing solar electricity costs and guide SETO research and development programs. Read more to find out how these cost benchmarks are modeled and download the data and cost modeling program below.
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