The average cost of a residential solar panel system in the U.S. is currently about $3.00 per watt, which usually totals around $20,000 for a standard home system. Hello sunshine lovers! We are looking at “Averages” today. When we talk about the average cost, we are taking all the super expensive systems and all the tiny cheap ones and finding the middle ground. This helps families budget for their green energy future!
What Makes Up the Average? When we say the average is around $20,000 (before rebates), what are we actually paying for?
- Hardware (40%): This is the cost of the shiny panels and the mounting racks.
- Soft Costs (60%): This is the surprising part! This includes permits from your town, the company’s overhead, and the installation labor.
Is Your Home “Average”? Most homes need a system size of about 6 kilowatts (kW) to 10 kW. If your family uses a normal amount of electricity—like watching TV, running the dishwasher, and keeping the lights on—you will likely fall right into this average price range.
- Small Homes: If you have a smaller cottage, your cost will be below the average!
- Big Energy Users: If you have a heated pool or an electric car, you might be a little above the average because you need more power.
Beat the Average Price! The best part about averages is that you can often beat them! If you shop around and get quotes from three different local installers, you can often find a price that is lower than the national average. Plus, with state incentives in places like New York or Illinois, your personal average cost drops way down. So, while the national number is good to know, your specific deal might be even sweeter!