Solar power system unit price

How much does a solar system cost per watt?

As of publishing, the average cost per watt is $2.84. Most solar companies set the price according to the solar system's wattage. A solar installation's “cost per watt” is a little like the “price per square foot” when you buy a house. It helps compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes.

What is the relative cost of solar energy?

Another measure of the relative cost of solar energy is its price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Whereas the price per watt considers the solar system’s size, the price per kWh shows the price of the solar system per unit of energy it produces over a given period of time. Net cost of the system / lifetime output = cost per kilowatt hour

How much does a solar panel cost?

Some municipalities also add special inspection or net metering setup fees. Panel selection creates subtle cost differences. Standard monocrystalline panels in 2025 cost around $0.80–$1.00 per watt, while polycrystalline panels average $0.60–$0.75 per watt.

How much does solar installation cost?

Installation labor accounts for only 5.5-7% of total cost ($1,375-$2,500 for average systems), while soft costs represent 40-50% of total investment: Solar costs vary significantly by location due to labor rates, permitting requirements, market competition, and local incentives.