2026 Solar Panel Costs: Ultimate Guide to Pricing and Savings
How do I calculate the cost of installing solar panels? There are a few ways to get a rough estimate of how much solar panels will cost without sitting through a sales pitch.
The cost of solar roofing tiles is $21 to $40 per square foot installed or $4 to $14 per watt, depending on the brand, style, roof size and complexity, and kW needed. Solar shingles typically cost more than solar panels. *Includes roof replacement. Before tax credits and incentives. Get free estimates from solar panel installers near you.
Solar panel installation costs $10,000 to $30,000 on average before tax credits or incentives. Traditional solar panels cost less than solar shingles but are more efficient and produce more wattage. *Including asphalt shingle roof replacement.
The solar industry doesn't have a standard pricing structure, so the cost to the customer is based on their energy consumption. The cost of a solar system installation can vary widely when you compare the efficiency rate of the solar panels and other installation expenses. The best solar panels can set you back anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000.
Solar installations aren't cheap, but the actual equipment is a relatively small part of the total cost. It's only 35% of your total installation cost, according to the US Department of Energy. Soft costs, also known as the hidden costs of installing solar, are nonhardware costs, and they make up 65% of your total solar costs, according to the DOE.
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