5 kW solar system, you'll spend anywhere from $16,600 to $20,500 before accounting for tax credits or rebates. Solar panels cost between $2. Solar panels can lower your electricity bill by 75% or more, but the upfront investment is significant. Most homeowners spend between $12,600 and $33,376 to install a complete residential solar system in 2026, with the national average at $19,873 before incentives. 50/watt) compared to individual retail purchases ($0. Our team of solar experts. To simplify this, the industry uses one all-encompassing metric: the solar panel cost per watt. This figure bundles every component and service into a single price, giving you a clear understanding of the project's total value. With the 30% federal tax credit, a typical 6kW system costs $10,500-$14,700.