Solar Panel Cost in 2026 & Are They Worth It

Solar panel costs have dramatically decreased over the past few years, making renewable energy much more accessible to everyone. The price per watt of solar energy is usually around $3.00, but the total cost depends on many factors, such as equipment type, location, and sunlight availability. Many people power their homes with solar energy, and it is expected that many more will start using solar power as a renewable energy source. 

Jackery Solar Generators combine foldable solar panels and portable power stations to charge appliances regardless of weather conditions. The combination ensures that you can store the power generated by the portable solar panels during the day in the portable power station for later use. 

How Much Does Solar Panel Cost

Solar panels for an average 2000-square-foot home can cost between $15,000 and $22,500 before the incentives. However, the exact PV system price will vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the system, the installation company, and the other equipment. 

Average Solar Panel Cost 

According to research data from the Solar Energy Industries Association, the average cost of a residential solar system has decreased from $40,000 in 2010 to approximately $25,000 in 2024.

According to a survey by Statista, the average cost of solar panels for home has declined steadily from 2010 to 2023. For example, the average price of solar PV systems stood at $758 in 2023, decreasing from $908 in 2022. 

Here's a table showing how much does a solar panel cost and its decline over the past decade.

Commercial Solar Panel Cost 

According to the solar industry research data by SEIA, the cost of commercial solar panels was $5.92 per watt in 2020, which decreased to $1.46 per watt in 2024. The US Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) launched the SunShot initiative to reduce the overall cost of solar panels.  According to the available data, the goal is to reduce the cost of solar energy by more than half by 2030. Specifically, they aim to lower the current cost of 4.6 cents/kWh to 3 cents/kWh by 2025 and 2 cents/kWh by 2030.

Solar Panel Battery Cost 

The solar battery cost per kWh can vary significantly, but you can expect to pay between $25,000 and $35,000 for a solar-plus-storage system, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). However, if you have installed solar panels and want to add a battery storage system, you can expect to pay anywhere between $12,000 and $22,000, depending on factors like battery size, manufacturer, etc. 

A home solar battery lets you store excess power for later use, such as during power outages or blackouts. Generally, a lithium solar battery is more expensive than a lead-acid battery because the former is more efficient, lighter, and powerful. 

Solar Panel Cost Per Watt vs. Per kWh 

There are two ways to calculate the cost of solar panels. While the solar panel cost per watt ($/W) is helpful for comparing multiple offers, the cost per kilowatt-hour (cents/kWh) is useful in comparing the cost of solar versus grid energy. Let's explain each of them briefly: 

Solar Panel Cost Per Watt 

You will typically have to pay $3 to $5 per watt before applying the 30% tax credits and other incentives. For example, a 6000-watt solar system would cost between $18,000 and $30,000. 

Cost Per Watt = Total System Cost ÷ System Wattage 

However, factors such as smaller system sizes, premium panels, and inverter models can increase the overall solar panel cost by watts. This will help you compare solar quotes to choose the best one. 

Let's take an example to calculate solar panel cost per watt: 

The Jackery SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels cost $999 and have an output of 500W. 

Cost Per Watt = $999 ÷ 500W = $1.9/W 

Similarly, you can calculate the cost per watt of the Jackery SolarSaga 100W and Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels, which have wattages of around 100W and 200W, respectively. 

For Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels: 

Cost Per Watt = $699 ÷ 200W = $3.4/W 

For Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels: 

Cost Per Watt = $299 ÷ 100W = $2.9/W 

Solar Panel Cost Per kWh 

While the price per watt considers the size of the solar system, the cost per kWh shows the price of the solar system per unit of energy it generates over a given period of time. Here is the mathematical representation of the solar panel cost per kWh:

Cost Per kWh = Net Cost of the Solar System ÷ Lifetime Output 

Solar panel cost per kWh illustrates the value of solar power relative to buying power from the electricity grid. For example, the average solar system cost is between 6 and 8 cents per kWh. However, it will depend on the type of equipment, size of the system, and local incentives. 

Solar Panel Cost for Home 

The house solar panel cost will depend on your household's electricity consumption. Other factors contribute to the price of the solar panel system, such as cost per square foot, roof cost, cleaning cost, and installation cost. 

The household solar panel cost also depends on your energy needs and the appliances you wish to power. For example, if you're considering powering a refrigerator with solar energy, you may need a battery backup and solar panels for the refrigerator, depending on its size and energy consumption. 

You can also use a solar panel cost calculator to understand how much you need to pay for the solar system that fits your needs. 

Solar Panel Cost Per Square Foot 

On average, solar panels cost for a home is nearly $8.77 per square foot of living space, which includes the 30% tax credit. However, the actual solar panel cost per square foot will vary depending on the size of the home. 

For example, the post-tax credit cost of a solar panel for a 2500-square-foot home calculates to $20,000 for a rate of around $7.96 per square foot. However, the solar panel cost per square foot increases to $12.83 for a 1500 square footage of living space. 

Solar Panel Roof Cost 

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and US Department of Energy data, the average cost of installing a residential rooftop solar array is roughly $19,000. NREL researchers estimate that when roof replacement and solar panel systems are installed together, the average cost could be $25,000, potentially saving homeowners an average of $4,000. However, the solar panel roof cost will vary depending on the roof size, location, system size, and complexity levels.

Solar Panel Cleaning Cost 

The cost of cleaning the solar panels ranges between $5 and $20 per panel. Depending on the number and type of solar panels, the solar panel cleaning cost could be anywhere between $150 and $500 for a home. According to the US Department of Energy, cleaning a PV array may cost about $2 per kilowatt per year, which means a 5-kilowatt system can cost $10 per year to clean.

Solar Panel Installation Cost 

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the cost of solar panel installation accounts for around 5.5% of the total cost of a residential solar project. That amounts to $1375 for a $25,000 solar system. However, it is worth noting that the solar panel installation costs vary depending on the local wage and scope of the project. 

What Other Costs Should You Expect With Solar Panels?

Beyond the solar panel's initial cost, you can also expect to pay soft costs and potential maintenance expenses. According to the US Department of Energy, solar soft costs account for 57% of the total solar panel cost. Let's explain solar soft or non-hardware costs briefly: 

Source: Solar Soft Costs Basics | Department of Energy 

What Factors Affect Solar Panel Cost?

Several factors affect solar panel costs, including the size and type of solar panels, installation complexity, and inverter technology. 

• System Size and Panel Type: Larger solar systems require more panels, which increases the initial cost. In addition, monocrystalline silicon solar panels are more expensive but more expensive than polycrystalline or thin-film panels. Therefore, ensure that you consider long-term profits when selecting solar panel costs.
• Installation Complexity: Various factors, including roof type and the inclusion of additional components like inverters and mounting structures, can impact and increase the overall cost of solar panels.
• Inverter Technology: The type of solar inverters used in the solar system, such as string inverters and microinverters, impacts the overall cost and performance.
• Location and Climate: The amount of sunshine in a location and its climate can significantly impact the solar panel output and lifespan, ultimately affecting the cost of ownership over time.

How Much Money Does a Solar Panel Save 

Homeowners in the US can save money by powering their home appliances with solar panels instead of purchasing electricity from the grid. The exact amount of money you save will vary depending on various factors, such as utility electricity rates, electricity consumption, system cost, and energy goals. 

Let's compare the average cost of a solar system to the average price of utility electricity in each US state: 

Source: EIA  

According to the calculation, it costs nearly 46 cents to dry a load of laundry with grid electricity in New York, whereas it costs only 14 cents if you use solar power. 

Here's a chart that compares the cumulative spending of solar vs grid electricity in an average US household: 

Remember that a solar system might require a high initial fee, but you can use it a lot in the long run. 

How Long Does it Take for Solar Panels to Pay for Themselves?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves within 8 to 12 years, although the payback period can vary significantly due to various factors, including electricity consumption, system size, financing options, and incentives. According to the EIA, an average homeowner consumes 899 kWh per month. As of March 2025, the electricity rate per kWh is $0.17, which means an average homeowner can pay roughly $153.81 per month or $1,845.72 per year. Let's assume you've purchased a solar power system for $15,000. In this case, the solar system will take roughly 8 years to pay for itself. 

Solar Panel Cost Examples for Real-World Setups

Understanding solar panel costs becomes easier when you look at actual setups people use in everyday life. Here are a few real-world scenarios to help you see what solar might cost depending on your lifestyle.

• RV Setup: For van lifers or weekend campers, a basic solar setup with a 100W to 400W panel with a portable battery backup system is often enough to run lights, fans, small appliances, and charge devices. The total cost, including portable solar panels, a charge controller, an inverter, and a compact battery, can range from $600 to $2,000, depending on the quality and brand. 
• Off-Grid Living: Living off-grid requires a much larger system capable of powering essentials like refrigerators, water pumps, and heating or cooling units. A typical setup might include 3000W - 6000W worth of panels, a hybrid inverter, and a high-capacity battery bank. You can expect to pay anywhere between $15,000 and $35,000+, depending on the battery storage capacity.
• Apartment Setup: While most renters or apartment dwellers can’t install full rooftop systems, portable solar generators have grown in popularity. These setups usually include solar panels with a battery backup. Costs can range from $600 to $5,000, making them a budget-friendly option for offsetting some electricity usage or staying power during outages.

Jackery Solar Power Cost 

Jackery is a leading solar brand manufacturer that offers high-quality solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. Jackery offers a welcome gift with a $200 coupon for the first registration so you can save more on the solar system investment. Below, we will recommend large-capacity solar generators that can power most appliances with solar energy: 

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a reliable home battery backup generator that can power most of your household appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, TVs, heating systems, etc. The solar system includes a Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station and 1*Jackery SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels. If you wish to enjoy complete off-grid living, the battery capacity can be extended from 2kWh to 24kWh with the add-on battery packs. 

Appliances Running Time

• Vacuum Cleaner (1200W) = 1.4H
• Space Heater (1500W) = 1.1H
• Drill Machine (1000W) = 1.7H
• Jigsaw (800W) = 2.1H
• Refrigerator (900W) = 1.9H

Customer Review 

Plan to use it at my home for emergency situations if/when the power goes out, which is thankfully not typically very often. During a day of testing, it performed well running our kitchen refrigerator, home Wi-Fi, lamp, and fan, plus separately an air fryer and coffee maker.

—Frederick R.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000

The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 is another essential home backup solution that can power your essential and emergency devices, such as lights, communication devices, medical equipment, and more. It also features a ≤20ms UPS switch that ensures zero disruption by switching from on-grid power to backup power in the event of an outage. The solar generator bundle include Jackery HomePower 3000 and 2*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels.

Appliances Running Time

• Washer Combo (1500W) = 1.7H
• Window Air Conditioner (1000W) = 2.6H
• Microwave Oven (1200W) = 2.1H
• Hair Dryer (900W) = 2.8H
• Electric Oven (800W) = 3.2H

Customer Review

Fast delivery

- E.P.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus is an essential home backup solution built to handle common household demands without compromise. With a large battery capacity and expandable options, it can power fridges, routers, lights, medical devices, and even power tools. Whether you are facing rolling blackouts, prepping for storm season, or just want reliable backup without fumes and noise, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus delivers dependable, silent power that keeps your home running. It is also easy to move with the help of double wheels and a pull rod.

Appliances Running Time

• Washing Machine (2000W) = 1.5H
• Induction Cooktop (1500W) = 2.0H
• Dishwasher (1200W) = 2.5H
• Air Compressor (1500W) = 2.0H
• Toaster (800W) = 3.7H 

Customer Review

I purchased Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus as an off-grid power supply for my bus, as well as for a home backup via the transfer switch. It works great for supplying power to my diesel heater block for 2H with a little juice left to run some lights.

— Miranda T.

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is one of the most trusted essential home backup solutions. It can power almost all household appliances for hours or even days. It can be connected to the home's electricity system with the help of the Jackery Smart Transfer Switch to switch from grid electricity to battery backup in times of a power outage or blackout. 

Appliances Running Time

• Washing Machine (2000W) = 2.1H
• Induction Cooktop (1500W) = 2.8H
• Dishwasher (1200W) = 3.4H
• Air Compressor (1500W) = 2.8H
• Toaster (800W) = 5.0H 

Customer Review 

The product is beautifully designed, comes packaged well, and works very well. The switching to the backup power is almost instantaneous during an outage.

— Paul Semenoff. 

Solar Panel Cost FAQ

How much does one solar panel cost? 

The average solar panel cost per panel depends on its type, output, material, etc. For example, the Jackery SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels, built with highly efficient monocrystalline silicon solar cells, cost around $999 and have a power output of 500W.

What is the average solar panel cost? 

The average cost of a solar panel has decreased by nearly 40% over the last decade, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. In fact, the average-sized residential system has dropped from $40,000 in 2010 to $25,000 in 2024.

How much does a roof solar panel cost? 

The average cost of a residential rooftop solar array is approximately $19,000 before considering incentives and tax credits, according to data from the US Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Conclusion 

Reduced solar panel costs, coupled with rising electricity prices, have made homeowners switch from utility electricity to solar systems. While the high price tag for solar systems might shock people, it is essential to note that going solar can be worthwhile in the long run. Remember, solar systems may cost more upfront, but they are much more affordable than buying electricity from the utility grid. Jackery Solar Generators are robust home battery backups that can help you cut down on electricity costs. These solar-powered generators can also power essential household appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, electric ovens, microwaves, etc., when the grid is down.