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 commercial solar system cost?

Commercial solar installations are a great way for companies to lower energy costs. Generally, installing solar panels on businesses costs a bit less per watt because the systems are larger, but the total costs will be higher. In 2025, the average cost for commercial solar panels is just about $2.00 per watt.

How much does it cost to install solar panels?

It costs around $28,000 to install solar panels. That's a big number, but incentives usually lower it significantly. Why trust EnergySage? The average U.S. solar shopper needs about 11 kilowatts (kW) of home solar to cover their electricity usage.

Are solar panels a worthwhile investment?

Yes, solar panels can be a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. Here are a few reasons why: Cost Savings: Most homeowners recover the cost of their solar panels in electric bill savings in about 8.5 years, with an estimated savings of $25,260 over the system's lifetime.

How much does solar cost per watt?

For reference, the national average cost of solar panels is $3.03 per watt. Solar rebates help make solar more affordable by directly lowering the upfront cost of a solar installation. If you have access to solar rebates, consider yourself lucky! They are few and far between these days.

How much does a solar panel upgrade cost?

Depending on the project, an electrical panel upgrade for solar could cost between $2,000 and $3,000. If your solar system uses a string inverter, it may need to be replaced. String inverters generally last between 10 and 12 years, while solar panels last for 25 years or more. Getting a new string inverter could cost about $1,500.