How much does solar cost per square foot?

Average U.S. solar cost per square foot in 2025: $6 – $12 after the 30% federal tax credit. Cost per square foot varies by system size, energy use, location, and panel efficiency. The most accurate pricing metric is still cost per watt, but per-sq-ft estimates are helpful for ballpark figures.

What is the cost of solar panel installation?

The cost of solar panel installation varies. A 10-kW system in Nevada cost about $20,000, which is around the national average for a 7-kW system. On the high end, a solar customer in Hawaii spent $100,000 going solar. What else affects solar installation costs?

How much does a home solar system cost?

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.

What is the cost of a solar system?

The cost of a solar system can vary depending on the size of your project. For a small DIY solar project with a few panels, expect to pay around $200 to $350 per panel (between $0.80 and $1.40 per watt).

How much does solar cost in California?

Divide annual kWh by ~1,200 (typical kWh/year per kW of solar in much of California). In California, expect $2.75 – $3.50 per watt before incentives (solar panel cost in California). This gives your solar cost per square foot. Estimate your system size, price before and after incentives, and cost per square foot.

How much does solar cost per square foot in 2025?

In this guide, we’ll break down average solar costs per square foot in 2025, show how they compare by home size, explain why this metric has limits, and give you expert tips to reduce your price. Average U.S. solar cost per square foot in 2025: $6 – $12 after the 30% federal tax credit.