How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Solar Panel Installation Include?
Residential solar panel installation includes panels, inverter, racking, wiring, permits, and grid connection. The federal solar tax credit (30%) significantly reduces the net cost.
The national average cost for solar panel installation is $22,000 per system. Most homeowners pay between $15,000 and $35,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
System Size
4kW: $10K-$16K. 6kW: $14K-$22K. 8kW: $18K-$28K. 10kW: $22K-$35K (before tax credit)
Battery
Adding battery storage: $8,000-$15,000 (also eligible for tax credit)
Key Cost Factors
- ✓System size (kW)
- ✓Panel type and brand
- ✓Roof condition and orientation
- ✓Local incentives
- ✓Battery storage
- ✓Installer
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.The 30% federal tax credit reduces a $22,000 system to ~$15,400
- 2.Get 3-5 quotes — pricing varies significantly between installers
- 3.Check for state and local incentives in addition to the federal credit
- 4.Leasing is an option but owning provides better long-term returns
Solar Panel Installation Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $12,300 | $18,040 | $28,700 |
| Alaska | $19,200 | $28,160 | $44,800 |
| Arizona | $14,250 | $20,900 | $33,250 |
| Arkansas | $12,000 | $17,600 | $28,000 |
| California | $20,250 | $29,700 | $47,250 |
| Colorado | $16,200 | $23,760 | $37,800 |
| Connecticut | $18,300 | $26,840 | $42,700 |
| Delaware | $15,750 | $23,100 | $36,750 |
| Florida | $14,700 | $21,560 | $34,300 |
| Georgia | $13,500 | $19,800 | $31,500 |
| Hawaii | $21,300 | $31,240 | $49,700 |
| Idaho | $13,800 | $20,240 | $32,200 |
| Illinois | $15,750 | $23,100 | $36,750 |
| Indiana | $13,200 | $19,360 | $30,800 |
| Iowa | $12,900 | $18,920 | $30,100 |
| Kansas | $12,750 | $18,700 | $29,750 |
| Kentucky | $12,600 | $18,480 | $29,400 |
| Louisiana | $13,050 | $19,140 | $30,450 |
| Maine | $15,300 | $22,440 | $35,700 |
| Maryland | $17,250 | $25,300 | $40,250 |
| Massachusetts | $19,500 | $28,600 | $45,500 |
| Michigan | $13,800 | $20,240 | $32,200 |
| Minnesota | $15,300 | $22,440 | $35,700 |
| Mississippi | $11,700 | $17,160 | $27,300 |
| Missouri | $13,050 | $19,140 | $30,450 |
| Montana | $14,250 | $20,900 | $33,250 |
| Nebraska | $13,200 | $19,360 | $30,800 |
| Nevada | $15,300 | $22,440 | $35,700 |
| New Hampshire | $16,800 | $24,640 | $39,200 |
| New Jersey | $18,750 | $27,500 | $43,750 |
| New Mexico | $13,500 | $19,800 | $31,500 |
| New York | $19,800 | $29,040 | $46,200 |
| North Carolina | $13,500 | $19,800 | $31,500 |
| North Dakota | $13,500 | $19,800 | $31,500 |
| Ohio | $13,500 | $19,800 | $31,500 |
| Oklahoma | $12,450 | $18,260 | $29,050 |
| Oregon | $16,500 | $24,200 | $38,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $15,300 | $22,440 | $35,700 |
| Rhode Island | $17,250 | $25,300 | $40,250 |
| South Carolina | $13,050 | $19,140 | $30,450 |
| South Dakota | $12,750 | $18,700 | $29,750 |
| Tennessee | $12,900 | $18,920 | $30,100 |
| Texas | $13,950 | $20,460 | $32,550 |
| Utah | $14,250 | $20,900 | $33,250 |
| Vermont | $16,200 | $23,760 | $37,800 |
| Virginia | $15,750 | $23,100 | $36,750 |
| Washington | $17,250 | $25,300 | $40,250 |
| West Virginia | $12,000 | $17,600 | $28,000 |
| Wisconsin | $14,100 | $20,680 | $32,900 |
| Wyoming | $13,800 | $20,240 | $32,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do solar panels take to pay for themselves?
Most systems pay for themselves in 6-10 years through energy savings and then provide free electricity for another 15-20 years.
How long do solar panels last?
Most solar panels are warrantied for 25 years and continue producing at 80%+ capacity. Many last 30-40 years.