Solar panel installation costs $18,268 to $36,409 in 2026, with a national average of $27,104 (Angi, 2,546 projects).1 Fixr’s average for a 7.6 kW system is lower at $23,100, and installed pricing runs $3.00 to $4.50 per watt (HomeGuide).23 Prices below are national averages* for 2026.
*National averages, not local quotes. Your price depends on system size (kW), panel quality, roof complexity, and electrical upgrades.
$27,104
2026 average, Angi
$3.00 – $4.50
per watt installed, HomeGuide
$23,100
7.6 kW average, Fixr
$200 – $1,000
permits, Angi
Quick math: an 8 kW system at $3.00 to $4.50 per watt = $24,000 to $36,000 before incentives, matching HomeGuide’s size table, our arithmetic.2 Fixr’s lower $3.04-per-watt average likely reflects larger systems, since per-watt pricing drops as systems grow, our reading.3
Cost by system size (HomeGuide)
| System | Before incentives | After 30% credit† |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $12,000 – $18,000 | $8,400 – $12,600 |
| 6 kW | $18,000 – $27,000 | $12,600 – $18,900 |
| 8 kW | $24,000 – $36,000 | $16,800 – $25,200 |
| 10 kW | $30,000 – $45,000 | $21,000 – $31,500 |
| 12 kW | $36,000 – $54,000 | $25,200 – $37,800 |
†Check this column before relying on it: HomeGuide’s after-credit figures assume the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. Per the IRS, that credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, so for 2026 installs the “before incentives” column is the realistic starting point, with any state or utility incentives applied on top.24
Cost per watt
| Source | Per watt | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| HomeGuide | $3.00 – $4.50 (avg $3.75) | Installed, before incentives |
| Fixr | about $3.04 | Installed, larger systems lower |
| Angi (labor only) | $0.50 – $1.00 | Install labor component |
Common add-ons
| Add-on | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Battery storage | $7,000 – $18,000 (avg $15,000) | Fixr |
| Battery storage | $5,600 – $11,200† | HomeGuide |
| Inverter | $1,500 – $3,000 installed | HomeGuide |
| 200-amp panel upgrade | $1,300 – $2,500 | HomeGuide |
| EV charger | about $600 – $2,000 | Fixr |
†HomeGuide’s battery figure is also shown after the now-expired 30% credit.24
Ongoing and repair costs (Angi)
Professional cleaning and inspection runs $150 to $400 per visit; inverter repairs or replacement $1,000 to $3,000; storm-damaged panel repairs $200 to $700 per panel; monitoring subscriptions $50 to $200 per year.1
Related guides
Solar Panel Maintenance Cost
Solar Panel Cleaning Cost
Attic Fan Cost
Electrician Cost
Heat Pump Cost
Roof Replacement Cost
All cost guides
Sources
1. Angi — How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels?
2. HomeGuide — Solar Panel Cost
3. Fixr — Solar Panel Installation Cost
4. IRS — Residential Clean Energy Credit