What is the average cost per watt for solar?

The 2026 US median is about $2.95 per watt installed. Competitive markets like Texas and Arizona run closer to $2.65/watt, while Hawaii's logistics push it to ~$3.85/watt. Cost per watt covers panels, inverters, racking, permits, and labor.

Does the cost calculator include the federal tax credit?

It shows the federal residential credit as $0. A system installed in 2026 cannot claim the §25D credit. Any state income tax credit in the dataset is applied on its own.

What's not included in a solar quote?

Battery storage, electrical panel upgrades, main service upgrades, roof reinforcement, and tree removal are typically separate line items. If your roof needs replacing soon, do it before install to avoid paying twice to remove and remount panels.

Is solar worth the cost?

In most states, yes — the average homeowner reaches payback in 6–9 years and nets $25,000–$60,000 over a 25-year system life. The exact answer depends on your electricity rate, net metering rules, and incentives. Run your state's savings calculator to see your specific payback.

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Solar Installation Cost Calculator — 2026 Prices by State

Estimate your 2026 solar installation cost for any system size in any US state. The federal residential credit is $0. State income tax credits are applied only where this dataset still lists one.

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System Size (kW)

State

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Gross Cost (CA avg $3.05/W)$24,400

Federal residential credit ($0 — ended)$0

Net Out-of-Pocket Cost$24,400

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. The federal residential credit does not reduce that figure for a 2026 install. A state credit, where one exists, is the reduction the calculator applies.

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

Labor Costs

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 Time

Permitting and inspection can add $500 to $2,000 per install. SolarAPP+ adoption is reducing this in participating municipalities.

Equipment Tier

Premium panels (high-efficiency monocrystalline, 425W+) and microinverters add $0.20-$0.40/W vs. entry-level equipment.

Roof Complexity

Multiple roof planes, steep pitches, slate or tile materials, and obstructions can add 10-25% to a quote.

Solar Cost Calculator FAQ

A typical 8 kW residential system costs $21,200–$30,800 before incentives, depending on your state's $/watt rate. The federal residential credit is $0 for a 2026 install. State credits or rebates, where they still exist, are the only incentives this calculator subtracts.

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The incentives on this page tell you what solar is worth. The next step is real quotes. Compare pre-screened local installers through EnergySage — free, no phone spam, and you stay anonymous until you choose to connect.

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SolarIQ may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners, at no cost to you. This never affects our incentive data or recommendations.

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Cost is half the story — see your savings

A price means little without the payback. Run the full calculator to see net cost, payback period, and 25-year savings after every incentive in your state.

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Savings

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Sizing

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Credit

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