Free solar estimator
What will solar panels cost — and save?
Enter your monthly electric bill and roof exposure for a system-size, cost, and payback estimate built from current 2026 installed prices.
What drives solar cost and savings
These factors move a solar quote — and your payback — the most.
Your electric rate
Solar savings are your rate times what the panels produce. High-rate states pay back fastest; cheap-power states slowest.
System size
Sized from your annual usage. Bigger bills need more kW, which raises cost but usually improves per-watt pricing.
Roof & shading
South-facing, unshaded roofs produce the most. Shade, north pitches, and complex roofs cut production and raise install cost.
Incentives
With the federal residential credit ended after 2025, state rebates, net-metering rules, and utility programs are now the main levers on net cost.
Solar cost by system size (installed, before incentives)
Typical 2026 installed ranges at $2.50–$3.50 per watt.
| System size | Installed cost | Typical home |
|---|
| 6 kW | $15,000–$21,000 | Smaller home / modest bill |
| 8 kW | $20,000–$28,000 | Average US home |
| 10 kW | $25,000–$35,000 | Larger home / high usage |
| 12 kW | $30,000–$42,000 | Large home / EV charging |
Planning a DIY job?
Common materials and tools for this project. (Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.)
Solar cost questions, answered
How much do solar panels cost in 2026?
Residential solar runs about $2.50 to $3.50 per watt installed, so a typical 8 kW system costs roughly $20,000 to $28,000 before incentives. Your system size depends on your usage, rates, and roof.
Is there still a federal solar tax credit in 2026?
The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. Leased or third-party-owned systems may still capture separate commercial incentives, and many states and utilities offer their own rebates, net metering, or performance programs — check what applies in your state.
How long until solar pays for itself?
With no federal credit, typical payback is roughly 9–15 years depending on your electric rate, sun exposure, and any state incentives — faster in high-rate states like those in the Northeast and California, slower where power is cheap.
Should I buy or lease solar panels?
Buying (cash or loan) maximizes long-term savings and adds home value. Leases and power-purchase agreements need no money down and may capture incentives owners no longer get, but the provider keeps a share of the savings. Compare total 25-year cost, not just the monthly payment.