Solar Installation Cost Calculator — 2026 Prices by State
Estimate your 2026 solar installation cost for any system size in any US state. Includes the federal 30% credit and state-level income tax credits where applicable, calculated from current state-by-state $/watt installed price data.
2026 Solar Installation Pricing
US residential solar prices in 2026 range from $2.65/watt (Texas, Arizona — competitive markets, low labor) to $3.85/watt (Hawaii — logistics premium). The national median sits around $2.95/watt installed before any tax credits or rebates.
For an 8 kW typical system, that translates to a gross cost of $21,200 to $30,800. After the 30% federal credit, net cost falls to roughly $14,800 to $21,500 depending on state and any additional state-level incentives.
Costs include panels, inverters, racking, monitoring, permits, labor, and interconnection. Battery storage, roof reinforcement, electrical panel upgrades, and main service upgrades are typically additional.
What Drives Cost Variation
Installation labor varies 2-3x between markets. California, New York, and the Northeast pay union-rate labor; Texas and Arizona run lower-cost crews.
Permitting and inspection can add $500 to $2,000 per install. SolarAPP+ adoption is reducing this in participating municipalities.
Premium panels (high-efficiency monocrystalline, 425W+) and microinverters add $0.20-$0.40/W vs. entry-level equipment.
Multiple roof planes, steep pitches, slate or tile materials, and obstructions can add 10-25% to a quote.