Solar system cost is fairly consistent across markets, and consistently getting lower with time. That said, there are a number of variables that drive the cost of a commercial or residential rooftop solar system:
- What is your roof made of?
- Is your roof easy to get to?
- Does your roof have a lot of space?
- Do you want basic panels, high-efficiency panels, or something in between?
If you need to generate a lot of power but have limited space on your roof, you may need to pay a premium for a more efficient panel. Higher quality panels capture more energy from the same amount of sunlight.
The solar systems we install typically cost between $2.80 and $3.80 per Watt. Considering most residential systems run between 4 and 15 kW (a kilowatt is 1000 Watts), we’re looking at about $11,000 on the low end, and $60,000 on the high end. That’s a big range, we know, but to be a little more specific, the large majority of home systems run between $20,000 and $30,000 (it’s important when assessing the price of your system to account for any solar rebates, which can save you a ton of money). Many people consider solar system cost to be well worth it, not only because they’re sticking it to oil-exporting despots by buying less of their product, but because over its lifespan, a solar system will typically save you 2 1/2 times its cost in ‘free’ energy. Read our Solar Cost/Benefit Analysis for more detail.
What’s included in the solar system cost?
What we provide for this fee is a completely turnkey service. We handle all the permitting, engineering, installation, materials, and equipment. Basically you could write us a check and leave town, and when you got back the system would be all ready to go. You’d still need to get with your utility to flip the switch, but we definitely earn our keep when you hire us.
To help you figure out what kind of system you want, and how much it will likely cost, check out our online solar assessment too. We call it The Wiz.