Solar Installation Cost Calculator
How much does it cost to install solar panels? Get an itemised price range for your country, system size, and system type, with or without a battery. Use it to check that an installer's quote looks reasonable before you sign.
Your estimated cost
A 5 kW system near Los Angeles is likely to cost about $13,000, within a range of $12,000 to $16,500.
Likely price range
- Solar panels$3,600 (28%)
- Inverter$1,600 (12%)
- Mounting$1,300 (10%)
- Cables and protection$1,300 (10%)
- Installation labour$2,300 (18%)
- Design, permits, and overheads$2,900 (22%)
Assumptions used
- Price basis
- Before incentives, from quotes on EnergySage. Other surveys report higher prices
- Adjustments applied
- × 1.00
- Prices checked
- 2026-11-06
- Sources
- US EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook, EnergySage solar panel cost
What if?
Save this result, change any setting, and compare.
How this is calculated
Local price per watt
We start from published or surveyed prices for home solar in your country, and show where they came from. You can replace the figure with a price from your own area.
Adjustments
Small systems cost more per watt because fixed costs are spread over less. Hybrid and off-grid systems, premium panels, and complex roofs add to the price. Each adjustment is a planning estimate.
Solar cost = watts × local price per watt × adjustments
Parts and range
The split between parts is a rough guide to a typical home system. The range uses the spread of prices in the source data, because quotes vary between installers and areas.
Worked example: 5 kW in the United States
At about $2.60 per watt before incentives, a simple 5 kW grid-connected system costs about $13,000.
Quotes are likely to fall between $12,000 and $16,500, depending on your area, equipment, and roof.
How accurate is this?
Treat this as a sense check, not a quote. Price sources differ, and some come from installers and comparison sites rather than official surveys. Each country's figures show their source, and we check them on a set schedule.
Common mistakes
- Comparing price per panel instead of price per watt
- Forgetting scaffolding, electrical upgrades, or roof repairs
- Assuming a price from another country or currency applies to you
- Deducting an incentive twice when it is already in the quoted price
Limits of this tool
- Prices change with equipment costs, exchange rates, and local labour
- Switchboard upgrades and structural work are not included
- The parts split is a rough guide, not a real bill of materials
What to do next
- Check possible support with the incentive checker
- Compare real offers with the quote comparison tool
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 5 kW solar system cost?
In the United States, about $13,000 before incentives on this tool's starting figures. Choose your location to see a local estimate.
What is a good price per watt for solar?
It depends on your country. Compare quotes in your area using price per watt, with the same equipment and scope.
How much does a solar battery add?
It depends on capacity and brand. Enter a real price per kWh when you have one, because battery prices vary widely.
Why are some solar quotes so different?
Equipment, warranties, roof work, and included services all vary, so the lowest price is not always the same offer.