2026 US Solar Cost Data
Solar Panel Cost & ROI Calculator
Estimate system cost, payback, and savings for your state. US average 6 kW system: $16,271 before credit, ~$11,390 net after 30% federal ITC.
Quick answer
The average US homeowner pays $16,271 for a 6 kW solar system in 2026. After the 30% federal tax credit, net cost is about $11,390. Typical payback: 9 years with ~$1,335/year in electricity savings.
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Solar Panel Cost Calculator
Estimate for Texas
$7,200 net after tax credit
~4 kW system · $10,300 before 12.8¢/kWh incentives
Annual savings
$874
Payback
8.2 years
30-year savings
$23,598
Solar Options Compared (6 kW System)
| Option | Upfront cost | Tax credit | Typical payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash purchase | $16,271 | 30% ITC | 9 yrs |
| Solar loan | $0 down | You claim ITC | 8–12 yrs |
| Lease / PPA | $0 down | Installer keeps ITC | Immediate savings |
| + Battery storage | +$9,000 | 30% if solar-paired | Varies by utility |
US averages. Lease vs buy guide →
Solar cost guides
52 in-depth articles on pricing, incentives, and ROI
Solar Tax Credit 2026
30% federal ITC guide
Read guide →Solar Payback Period
How long until solar pays off
Read guide →Are Solar Panels Worth It?
When solar makes financial sense
Read guide →Solar Battery Cost
Home storage pricing 2026
Read guide →Solar Lease vs Buy
PPA, lease, loan, cash compared
Read guide →Net Metering Explained
How utility credits work
Read guide →Solar Financing Options
Loans, HELOC, and payment plans
Read guide →Federal Solar Incentive 2026
ITC rules and eligibility
Read guide →How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
System sizing guide
Read guide →Solar Panel Cost by State
National price overview
Read guide →Solar vs Utility Bill Savings
Monthly bill reduction math
Read guide →Solar Panel Types
Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline
Read guide →Solar guides by state
200+ state-specific pages — incentives, payback, net metering, and ROI for all 50 states.
Popular states
How We Calculate Solar Costs
MySunROI estimates combine NREL residential PV installed-price benchmarks, EIA state electricity rates, and regional labor modifiers — updated 2026-07-07.
Solar Panel Cost by State
Updated 2026-07-07. Not financial advice — get installer quotes for actual pricing.