Solar Photovoltaic System Cost Benchmarks
The U.S. Department of Energy''s solar office and its national laboratory partners analyze cost data for U.S. solar photovoltaic systems to develop cost benchmarks to measure progress
The industry standard measurement for comparing solar costs is price per watt ($/W). According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Spring 2025 Solar Industry Update, residential solar costs average around $2.56 per watt before incentives, with most systems ranging from $2.56 to $3.03 per watt. Factors affecting cost per watt include:
Note: Costs are expressed in constant 2024 US$ per watt. Global estimates are used before 2010; European market benchmarks thereafter due to limited data availability. Solar photovoltaic module prices refer to the cost of the solar panel itself, and do not include installation or other system components.
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
Data source: IRENA (2025); Nemet (2009); Farmer and Lafond (2016) – Learn more about this data Note: Costs are expressed in constant 2024 US$ per watt. Global estimates are used before 2010; European market benchmarks thereafter due to limited data availability.
The U.S. Department of Energy''s solar office and its national laboratory partners analyze cost data for U.S. solar photovoltaic systems to develop cost benchmarks to measure progress
These projects range from megawatt (MW) to gigawatt (GW) scale, making them the most cost-effective form of solar energy due to economies of scale and lower installation costs per kilowatt
While price per watt is most helpful in comparing the relative costs of solar bids, solar power cost per kWh is best used to illustrate the value of solar relative to buying your power from the
Solar photovoltaic panel prices Average price of solar modules, expressed in US dollars per watt, adjusted for inflation.
Compare quotes using “cost per watt.” Like price per square foot for homes, this metric (typically $2 to $3 per watt) helps you compare solar companies fairly, regardless of system size.
Get the current solar panel cost per watt. Compare prices, understand ROI, and start saving money today!
Solar Panel Costs in 2026 : It''s Usually Worth It Average Total Cost: $21,816 - $26,004 Average Cost per watt: $3.03 Get solar power system costs based on your location, roof, power usage, and current
Get a clear explanation of solar panel cost per watt, what affects pricing, and how to compare quotes so you can make a smart investment in solar energy.
Solar panel costs have reached historic lows in 2025, making home solar more affordable than ever before. With the average residential solar system costing between $20,000 and $30,000
Compare quotes using “cost per watt.” Like price per square foot for homes, this metric (typically $2 to $3 per watt) helps you compare solar
Understanding solar costs means looking beyond sticker prices. Right now, systems average about $2.58 per watt before incentives. But this number varies depending on your location,
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.