Short answer: the average solar system in 2026 costs about $2.60 per watt before incentives on EnergySage’s marketplace, which works out to roughly $31,000 for a typical 12 kW home system. Your price will depend on system size, roof, location, equipment and installer. Last reviewed: October 17, 2026.
Average cost by system size
Larger systems cost more in total but less per watt, because some costs, like permits and sales effort, do not grow with size. These figures are EnergySage marketplace averages for 2026, before any incentives.
| System size | Average price per watt | Average system cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $2.89 | $11,560 |
| 6 kW | $2.68 | $16,080 |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $20,960 |
| 10 kW | $2.58 | $25,800 |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $30,720 |
| 15 kW | $2.47 | $37,050 |
EnergySage lists 12 kW as the typical system size and puts the average cost of a 12 kW installation at $31,135, with a range from about $27,500 to $33,900. The figure differs slightly from the table because the headline average includes quotes of all sizes. Source: EnergySage, updated June 2026.
A caution: EnergySage notes that its prices tend to be lower than national averages, because installers compete for your quote and spend less on sales. Prices outside a marketplace can be higher, so use these numbers as a benchmark when you read quotes, not as a promise.
What changed in 2026
The 30% federal tax credit for homeowners who buy solar ended after 2025, so the figures above are what you pay with no federal credit on a purchase. Read does the solar tax credit still exist for what remains. State and local incentives can still cut the net cost.
Where the money goes
For a $31,135 system, EnergySage’s breakdown shows that the panels themselves are a small part of the price.
| Cost item | Average cost | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panels | $3,736 | 12% |
| Inverter(s) | $3,114 | 10% |
| Racking and mounting | $934 | 3% |
| Electrical wiring | $2,802 | 9% |
| Supply chain costs | $2,802 | 9% |
| Sales tax | $623 | 2% |
| Installation labor | $2,179 | 7% |
| Sales and marketing | $5,604 | 18% |
| Overhead | $3,425 | 11% |
| Installer profit | $3,425 | 11% |
| Permitting and interconnection | $2,491 | 8% |
The percentages are based on a 2021 study by the national laboratory formerly known as NREL, applied to the 2026 average by EnergySage. The takeaway is that equipment is under half of the bill. The installer’s sales cost, overhead and profit are a large share, which is why comparing several quotes pays off.
Cost by state
Prices per watt are generally lower in warm, sunny states and higher in colder ones, though you may need a bigger system in a hot state, so the total can end up similar. A sample of EnergySage’s 2026 state averages, before incentives:
| State | Average price per watt | Average system cost |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $2.12 | $33,803 |
| Texas | $2.25 | $29,513 |
| Arizona | $2.26 | $30,377 |
| California | $2.52 | $21,198 |
| New Jersey | $2.59 | $31,993 |
| New York | $2.76 | $33,349 |
| Massachusetts | $2.90 | $32,104 |
| Tennessee | $3.49 | $47,982 |
| Alabama | $3.82 | $54,749 |
State averages mix different system sizes, so compare the price per watt, not the total. States with few quotes can show unusual numbers.
What pushes your price up or down
- System size. Larger systems have a lower price per watt.
- Roof. Several roof planes, dormers or shade mean more equipment and labor. Trees may need trimming or removal, which EnergySage puts at roughly $300 to $1,500.
- Electrical panel. As a rule of thumb, your panel should be at least 200 amps. An upgrade can add a few thousand dollars.
- Roof age. EnergySage suggests replacing an asphalt roof first if it is more than 5 to 10 years old, because panels can last decades.
- Equipment. Microinverters or optimizers cost more than a string inverter but can pay off on shaded or complex roofs. Batteries add significant cost.
- Installer. Warranty, track record and overhead all affect the quote.
How to read a quote
- Divide the total price by the system size in watts to get the price per watt, then compare quotes on that basis.
- Ask what is included: permits, interconnection, electrical work, roof work, monitoring and warranties.
- Check the estimated yearly production and how the installer calculated it.
- Get at least three written quotes for the same size and type of system.
How long to get your money back
EnergySage says the average payback is about 10 years and that many homeowners save between $41,000 and $155,000 over 25 years. Your own number depends mostly on your electricity price. Use our solar savings calculator and read is solar worth it without the federal tax credit for the math.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 10 kW system cost?
About $25,800 on average on EnergySage in 2026, before incentives, or roughly $2.58 per watt.
Are solar prices going up or down?
EnergySage says prices are near their lowest in years even without federal support. Prices vary by market and can change, so check current quotes.
Is the cheapest quote the best?
Not always. Compare equipment, warranties, the installer’s reputation and what the quote leaves out.
Sources: EnergySage solar panel cost data (updated June 30, 2026; state table updated October 2026). Figures are averages and not a quote.