How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in California? (Janaury 2026)
As of 2025, the average cost to install solar panels in California is around $2.40 to $3.25 per watt. For a typical 5kW system, this equates to $12,500 to $17,300 before federal
As of 2025, the average cost to install solar panels in California is around $2.40 to $3.25 per watt. For a typical 5kW system, this equates to $12,500 to $17,300 before federal
How much does solar panel installation cost? See pricing by home size, nationwide averages, and factors that will affect your costs in 2025.
Is the price of solar panels falling? The price of solar panels has declined substantially over the last decade as the industry has matured and reached production at the largest global scale.
Right now, the national average sits around $2.84 per watt before incentives, though competitive markets can see prices as low as $2.50 per watt. The solar industry uses a
Solar (photovoltaic) panel prices This data is expressed in US dollars per watt, adjusted for inflation.
As of December 2025, the average solar panel system
Solar (photovoltaic) panel prices This data is expressed in US dollars per watt, adjusted for inflation.
As of December 2025, the average solar panel system costs $2.36/W including installation in Los Angeles, CA. For a 9.93 kW system (the average system size in Los
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,
Using these numbers, an average-sized 8-kilowatt residential solar system would cost between $21,900 – $26,400. Regional pricing differences, the system size, local installation costs,
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Right now, the national average sits around $2.84 per watt before incentives, though competitive markets can see prices as low as
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As of 2025, the average cost of residential solar panels in the U.S. is between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. This typically translates to about $2.50 to $3.50 per watt of installed capacity (more on price per watt below). The total price depends on your system size, location, roof type, and installer.
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. Costs vary depending on the type of solar installation, but it generally costs between 7 and 20 cents per watt.
According to studies by the U.S. Department of Energy, the all-in cost of a home solar panel system is between $2.74 to $3.30 per watt. 1,2,12 This figure includes the solar panels, the installation, and other expenses. Using these numbers, an average-sized 8-kilowatt residential solar system would cost between $21,900 – $26,400.
Mounting system: This is what holds rooftop solar panels in place. Costs vary depending on the type of solar installation, but it generally costs between 7 and 20 cents per watt. Electrical wiring and hardware: This includes the wiring, switches and circuit breakers required to connect the solar panel system to your home's electrical system.