How much does solar power cost in 2025?

Take control of your energy costs with solar power. Solar panels generate “free” electricity, but installing a system still costs money. A typical American household needs a 10-kilowatt (kW) system to adequately power their home, which costs $28,241 in 2025.

How much does a solar energy storage battery cost?

Solar batteries let you keep your lights on even when your local power grid is down. However, battery storage typically costs between $7,000 and $18,000. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, a solar energy storage battery is worth considering. Other equipment also factors into the overall price:

How much does a solar system cost in California?

It may seem obvious but larger solar panel systems cost more money. We use cost per watt ($/W) so you can easily compare quotes, controlling for slight variations in system size. While a 5 kW system will only cost you $11,435 in California, doubling the system size effectively doubles the price, so you'll pay about twice that for a 10 kW system.

How much does a solar inverter cost?

Inverter: A solar inverter converts the generated DC electricity into AC electricity that can be used to power your home. The cost of an inverter depends on its size and efficiency, but these devices typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Mounting system: This is what holds rooftop solar panels in place.

How much does a solar system cost?

If you just need a few panels for a small do-it-yourself solar project, expect to pay around $200 to $350 per panel (between $0.80 and $1.40 per watt). Note: The table below doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery, which can add anywhere from $7,000 to $18,000 to your total solar system costs.

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves within 5 to 15 years. It all boils down to how much you’re paying for each unit of power, according to Robert Flores, a solar expert at The University of California, Irvine’s Clean Energy Institute.