Solar Panel Cost Calculator: State-by-State Cost Guide (2026)
Solar Panel Cost Estimate
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Looking for accurate solar panel cost estimates? Enter your zip code above to get instant pricing based on your specific project details, including materials, dimensions, and location.
Nationally, solar panel costs range from $10,958 to $27,395, with a typical cost of $16,437. Costs vary significantly from state to state due to differences in labor markets, material availability, building codes, and permit requirements.
National Solar Panel Cost Overview
Low End
$10,958
Mid Range
$16,437
High End
$27,395
Solar Panel Costs by State
Costs vary widely across the United States. States with higher costs of living, stricter building codes, and higher demand for skilled labor tend to have higher project costs.
5 Most Affordable States
5 Most Expensive States
What Drives Solar Panel Costs?
Several factors determine the final cost of any solar panel project. Understanding these helps you interpret quotes and make informed decisions about where to allocate your budget.
System Size
Choose from 4 options, from Small (4 kW) to Extra Large (10 kW). Each tier carries different cost implications for both materials and labor.
Location
Your state and local market affect labor rates, material transport costs, permit requirements, and building code compliance costs.
Permits and Inspections
Permit costs range from $0 to over $500 depending on the state and municipality. Some areas also require inspections at multiple stages.
Solar Panel Cost Calculator by State
Select your state to get a detailed cost estimate with local rates:
| State | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $12,280 | $18,420 | $30,700 |
| Arizona | $8,800 | $13,200 | $22,000 |
| Arkansas | $9,880 | $14,820 | $24,700 |
| California | $10,040 | $15,060 | $25,100 |
| Colorado | $10,920 | $16,380 | $27,300 |
| Connecticut | $10,920 | $16,380 | $27,300 |
| Delaware | $10,120 | $15,180 | $25,300 |
| District of Columbia | $11,520 | $17,280 | $28,800 |
| Florida | $8,800 | $13,200 | $22,000 |
| Georgia | $9,760 | $14,640 | $24,400 |
| Hawaii | $13,360 | $20,040 | $33,400 |
| Idaho | $13,400 | $20,100 | $33,500 |
| Illinois | $11,720 | $17,580 | $29,300 |
| Indiana | $11,480 | $17,220 | $28,700 |
| Iowa | $13,280 | $19,920 | $33,200 |
| Kansas | $11,200 | $16,800 | $28,000 |
| Kentucky | $10,320 | $15,480 | $25,800 |
| Louisiana | $10,600 | $15,900 | $26,500 |
| Maine | $11,520 | $17,280 | $28,800 |
| Maryland | $10,360 | $15,540 | $25,900 |
| Massachusetts | $12,320 | $18,480 | $30,800 |
| Michigan | $12,000 | $18,000 | $30,000 |
| Minnesota | $12,080 | $18,120 | $30,200 |
| Mississippi | $10,680 | $16,020 | $26,700 |
| Missouri | $10,160 | $15,240 | $25,400 |
| Montana | $11,200 | $16,800 | $28,000 |
| Nevada | $9,680 | $14,520 | $24,200 |
| New Hampshire | $12,280 | $18,420 | $30,700 |
| New Jersey | $11,080 | $16,620 | $27,700 |
| New Mexico | $11,080 | $16,620 | $27,700 |
| New York | $11,080 | $16,620 | $27,700 |
| North Carolina | $9,040 | $13,560 | $22,600 |
| Ohio | $10,920 | $16,380 | $27,300 |
| Oklahoma | $9,680 | $14,520 | $24,200 |
| Oregon | $10,640 | $15,960 | $26,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $10,360 | $15,540 | $25,900 |
| Rhode Island | $11,240 | $16,860 | $28,100 |
| South Carolina | $10,240 | $15,360 | $25,600 |
| Tennessee | $13,240 | $19,860 | $33,100 |
| Texas | $8,680 | $13,020 | $21,700 |
| Vermont | $11,000 | $16,500 | $27,500 |
| Virginia | $10,080 | $15,120 | $25,200 |
| Washington | $10,760 | $16,140 | $26,900 |
| Wisconsin | $12,360 | $18,540 | $30,900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in the United States?
What size solar system do I need?
What incentives reduce solar costs?
How this estimate was built
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), Craftsman National Estimator, NAHB permit data
Formula: (Labor + Materials) × Overhead × Regional Multiplier ± Range
Granularity: State-level averages; metro areas may vary 20–30%
Last updated: April 2026
Estimates are for budgeting purposes. Actual costs depend on project specifics, contractor, and local conditions. See our full methodology for details. Report an error.
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