Can you save on energy costs by installing solar on the roof of your residence, commercial, or industrial property? Use our solar panel cost and savings calculator to find out. You may be surprised how fast utility rate inflation builds up, and how fast fixing the cost through rooftop or ground mount solar can pay for itself.
How much do solar panels cost?
The cost of solar panels ranges anywhere from $8,500 to $30,500, with the average 6kW solar system falling around $12,700. It's important to note that these prices are before incentives and tax credits are applied. We found that solar panel prices vary based on where you live, the size of the system, the type of solar panels and more.
Mounting system: This is what holds rooftop solar panels in place. Costs vary depending on the type of solar installation, but it generally costs between 7 and 20 cents per watt. Electrical wiring and hardware: This includes the wiring, switches and circuit breakers required to connect the solar panel system to your home's electrical system.
How much does a 6kW Solar System cost?
Depending on which state you live in, your average 6kW solar panel system will cost between $10,200 and $15,200 to install after accounting for the 30% solar tax credit. However, we know that every home has its own energy demands, and prices for solar panels can quickly increase or decrease based on the size of your system.
Maintaining your solar panels costs anywhere from $140 to $180 annually or an average of $150 per year if you hire a pro to maintain your solar panels. At this cost, your pro will inspect the panels for signs of repairs.
Before solar, this represents the average utility rate over the next 20 years, assuming annual rate hikes between 3-5% (based on location). After solar, this is essentially your lifetime energy cost divided by the total production of your system. Here's how that looks for the example system above: $45,102 / 242,483 kWh = 18.6 kWh
How much does it cost to repair a solar panel inverter?
The cost to repair solar panels ranges from $200 to $1,700 depending on the severity of the damage. A small crack will cost the least to repair while repairing a solar panel inverter tends to fall at the higher end of the price range.