Free Solar Panel Cost Estimator
See your estimated system size, installation cost, and 25-year savings in about a minute — no site visit, no sales call required.
As of 2026, home solar costs an average of about $2.75 per watt installed — roughly $19,000–$25,000 for a typical 7–9 kW system before incentives. Your exact price depends on your state, electricity use, and roof. Answer five quick questions below to get your personalized estimate.
Where is your home?
Sunshine and electricity rates vary a lot by state — location is the biggest factor in your estimate.
What's your average monthly electric bill?
Your best guess is fine — we use it to work out how much electricity your home uses.
Tell us about your home and roof
Do you own your home?
What type of roof do you have?
How much shade does your roof get?
Here's what your home needs
Where should we send your full estimate?
Your complete results — installed cost, savings, payback, and 25-year outlook — plus a copy by email.
Solar Costs in 2026, Explained
How many solar panels do I need for my home?
Most US homes need between 15 and 25 solar panels. The exact number depends on how much electricity you use (your monthly bill is the best clue), how much sun your state gets, and how much shade falls on your roof. A home with a $150 monthly electric bill in an average-sun state typically needs a 7–8 kW system, which is about 18 modern 410-watt panels.
How much do solar panels cost in 2026?
In 2026, home solar costs an average of about $2.75 per watt installed, so a typical 7–9 kW system runs roughly $19,000–$25,000 before any incentives. Prices vary by state — Texas and Arizona are among the cheapest, while Oregon and New England are the most expensive. The federal residential tax credit (Section 25D) expired at the end of 2025, but some states and utilities still offer their own incentives.
How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?
Most homeowners break even in 9 to 13 years. Payback is fastest where electricity is expensive and sunshine is plentiful — parts of California can pay back in under 8 years, while low-rate states can take 15 or more. After payback, the electricity your panels produce is essentially free for the rest of their 25+ year life.
Do solar panels increase home value?
Yes — studies by Zillow and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found homes with owned solar systems sell for roughly 4% more on average. Buyers pay a premium for a home with little or no electric bill. The boost applies to systems you own; leased systems can actually complicate a sale.
Is solar worth it if my electric bill is under $100?
It can be, but the math is tighter. With a small bill, you need a smaller, cheaper system, but fixed costs like permitting and labor don't shrink as fast, so payback takes longer. Solar makes the most sense for smaller bills when your electric rates are high or rising fast — run your numbers in the estimator above to see your actual payback.
Top Solar Services is a nationwide directory of vetted solar installation, removal, and maintenance companies across the USA. Prefer to talk it through? Get matched with up to 5 local installers — free, with no obligation.