Expert guides on solar panel installation, costs, and savings
Everything you need to know about going solar—from how panels work to what you'll actually pay after incentives. We break down the real costs, the fine print installers won't mention, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost homeowners thousands.
Forget vague 'it depends' answers. We analyzed 847 real installations to show what solar panels actually cost in 2025 - by state, by system size, with 30% ITC savings included.
The 30% federal solar tax credit expires December 31, 2025 for residential installations. Learn exactly how the ITC works, what costs qualify, and the critical installation timeline to claim it.
Compare top residential solar panel brands on efficiency, durability, warranty, and real-world performance. Expert breakdown of what actually matters when choosing panels for your home.
Solar panels require almost no maintenance - no moving parts, no filters. But monitoring, occasional cleaning, and inverter checks keep your system running optimally for 25+ years.
Cash purchase, solar loan, lease, or PPA - each financing option has distinct tradeoffs. Compare costs, ownership, tax credit eligibility, and long-term savings to find your best path.
TLDR: Most homeowners see 7-12 year payback on solar. Your actual ROI depends on electricity rates, sun exposure, incentives, and system cost. Here's how to calculate yours.
TLDR: Batteries add $10,000-$15,000 to your solar system. They're worth it for backup power, weak net metering states, or time-of-use rate optimization. Here's how to decide.
TLDR: Solar installation takes 2-4 months from signing to power-on. The actual install is just 1-3 days. Most of the time is permits and utility approval. Here's the full timeline.
TLDR: Georgia solar costs $2.50-$2.90/watt. No state tax credit, but the 30% federal credit applies. Net metering varies by utility. Good sun makes payback 8-11 years.
TLDR: Massachusetts has exceptional solar incentives. The SMART program pays you per kWh for 10 years. Combined with federal and state credits, payback can be under 5 years.
TLDR: Florida solar costs $2.40-$2.80/watt. No state tax credit, but strong net metering and 30% federal credit. Hurricane-rated panels available. Payback runs 8-11 years.
TLDR: Virginia solar costs $2.70-$3.10/watt. No state tax credit, but strong net metering and 30% federal credit. Dominion Energy allows systems up to 25 kW. Payback runs 9-11 years.
TLDR: Washington solar costs $2.80-$3.20/watt. The state solar incentive program ended, but 30% federal credit and strong net metering help. Payback runs 10-13 years despite less sun.
TLDR: REC, LG, and Panasonic offer premium efficiency (21-22%). Qcells, Canadian Solar, and JA Solar deliver excellent value. All major brands last 25+ years. Here's how to choose.
Net metering is why solar saves money even when you're at work - your excess power earns credits for later use. Learn how it works and what policy changes are happening across all 50 states.
Limited budget means prioritizing. Compare solar panel vs heat pump ROI, payback periods, and incentives to decide which upgrade delivers better returns for your home and climate.
TLDR: Pennsylvania solar costs $2.70-$3.10/watt. SRECs provide additional income ($30-$50 each). Combined with 30% federal credit, payback runs 8-11 years. Strong net metering through PPL and PECO.
TLDR: Maryland solar costs $2.80-$3.20/watt. SRECs worth $50-$80 each add significant value. Property tax exemption protects home value. Payback runs 7-10 years with all incentives.
TLDR: The 30% federal solar tax credit saves $6,000-$10,000 on typical installations. It expires for residential December 31, 2025. Here's exactly how it works and how to claim it.
TLDR: Net metering credits you for solar electricity you send to the grid. Full retail credits mean 1:1 value. Some states offer reduced rates. Understanding your state's policy is essential for solar economics.
TLDR: Purchasing solar (cash or loan) provides 30% tax credit and full savings. Leasing has no upfront cost but lower total returns. For most homeowners, purchasing is better. Here's the full comparison.
Solar panels in California cost $3.15 per watt on average—higher than the national average but justified by sky-high electricity rates hitting $0.40-0.52/kWh. A 7kW system runs about $22,050 before incentives, dropping to $15,435 after the 30% federal tax credit. NEM 3.0 slashed export rates by 75%, so batteries are now practically mandatory. Payback period is 8-10 years with proper battery strategy.
Solar panels in Texas cost $2.53 per watt—among the cheapest in the US thanks to low labor costs and minimal regulations. An 8kW system runs about $20,240 before incentives, dropping to $14,168 after the 30% federal tax credit. Texas has no state income tax, so there's no state solar credit. The real value here? Grid independence. After Winter Storm Uri and repeated ERCOT failures, solar plus battery backup has become essential for many Texas homeowners.
Solar panels in Florida cost $2.53 per watt—matching Texas as one of the most affordable markets. An 8kW system runs about $20,240 before the 30% federal tax credit, dropping to $14,168 after. Florida has no state income tax (so no state credit), but you get full retail net metering, 100% property tax exemption, and zero sales tax on systems. Modern panels are rated for 140+ mph winds. After Hurricane Ian proved that solar communities stayed powered, battery backup interest has skyrocketed.
Solar panels in Pennsylvania cost $2.77 per watt—right around the national average. A 7kW system runs about $19,390 before incentives, dropping to $13,573 after the 30% federal tax credit. Pennsylvania's real bonus is the SREC market: you'll earn $35-45 per Solar Renewable Energy Credit, generating 6-8 credits annually for extra income of $210-360 per year. Net metering is strong at full retail rate.
Solar panels in Illinois cost $2.85 per watt—right at the national average. A 7kW system runs about $19,950 before incentives, dropping to $13,965 after the 30% federal tax credit. But here's where Illinois shines: the Illinois SHINES Adjustable Block Program pays you $82 per REC over 15 years, adding roughly $8,000+ to your lifetime savings.
Solar panels in Michigan cost $2.82 per watt—slightly below the national average. An 8kW system runs about $22,560 before incentives, dropping to $15,792 after the 30% federal tax credit. Michigan doesn't have the sun of Arizona, but rising DTE and Consumers Energy rates (up 15% since 2022) are making solar increasingly attractive.
Solar panels in Ohio cost $2.75 per watt—below the national average. A 7kW system runs about $19,250 before incentives, dropping to $13,475 after the 30% federal tax credit. Ohio has no state solar tax credit, but net metering is available at full retail rate and there's a property tax exemption.
Solar panels in New Jersey cost $2.89 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $20,230 before incentives, dropping to $14,161 after the 30% federal tax credit. NJ's real advantage is the TREC program (Transition Renewable Energy Certificates). High electricity rates ($0.17/kWh average) help speed up payback to 7-9 years.
Solar panels in Wisconsin cost $2.88 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $20,160 before incentives, dropping to $14,112 after the 30% federal tax credit. Wisconsin has no state solar tax credit, but Focus on Energy offers rebates up to $500, and net metering is available at retail rate.
Solar panels in Minnesota cost $2.90 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $20,300 before incentives, dropping to $14,210 after the 30% federal tax credit. Minnesota has strong solar-friendly policies including net metering and Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards program.
Solar panels in Virginia cost $2.82 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,740 before incentives, dropping to $13,818 after the 30% federal tax credit. Virginia doesn't have a state solar tax credit, but property tax exemptions vary by locality and net metering is available through Dominion Energy.
Solar panels in Maryland cost $2.95 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $20,650 before incentives, dropping to $14,455 after the 30% federal tax credit. Maryland's SREC market adds ongoing income ($60-80 per credit, earning 6-8 annually = $360-640/year).
Solar panels in Indiana cost $2.70 per watt—below the national average. A 7kW system runs about $18,900 before incentives, dropping to $13,230 after the 30% federal tax credit. Indiana eliminated its state solar incentives in 2022, and net metering was phased out for new customers.
Solar panels in Washington cost $2.85 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,950 before incentives, dropping to $13,965 after the 30% federal tax credit. Washington has zero sales tax on solar (worth ~$1,600 saved) and no state income tax means no state credit.
Solar panels in Tennessee cost $2.58 per watt—well below the national average. An 8kW system runs about $20,640 before incentives, dropping to $14,448 after the 30% federal tax credit. Tennessee has no state solar tax credit and no mandatory net metering (TVA territory is complicated).
Solar panels in North Carolina cost $2.72 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,040 before incentives, dropping to $13,328 after the 30% federal tax credit. NC has strong net metering and Duke Energy offers various solar programs. Payback runs 8-11 years.
Solar panels in Missouri cost $2.80 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,600 before incentives, dropping to $13,720 after the 30% federal tax credit. Missouri has no state solar tax credit, but Ameren and Evergy offer rebate programs. Payback runs 9-12 years.
Solar panels in Connecticut cost $3.00 per watt. A 6kW system runs about $18,000 before incentives, dropping to $12,600 after the 30% federal tax credit. CT has high electricity rates ($0.25/kWh+) making solar attractive despite shorter days. Payback runs 6-8 years.
Solar panels in Iowa cost $2.75 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,250 before incentives, dropping to $13,475 after the 30% federal tax credit. Iowa has strong net metering and a 15% state tax credit. Payback runs 8-10 years.
Solar panels in Alabama cost $2.60 per watt—among the cheapest in the US. An 8kW system runs about $20,800 before incentives, dropping to $14,560 after the 30% federal tax credit. Alabama has limited net metering and no state incentives. Payback runs 11-14 years.
Solar panels in South Carolina cost $2.68 per watt. An 8kW system runs about $21,440 before incentives, dropping to $15,008 after the 30% federal tax credit. SC offers a 25% state tax credit (up to $3,500), making it one of the better southeastern states for solar.
Solar panels in Oregon cost $2.88 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $20,160 before incentives, dropping to $14,112 after the 30% federal tax credit. Oregon offers the Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) and has no sales tax on solar equipment. Payback runs 9-12 years.
Solar panels in Kentucky cost $2.72 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,040 before incentives, dropping to $13,328 after the 30% federal tax credit. Kentucky has limited solar incentives but TVA offers some programs. Payback runs 10-13 years.
Solar panels in Kansas cost $2.75 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,250 before incentives, dropping to $13,475 after the 30% federal tax credit. Kansas gets excellent sun (5.0+ peak hours) but limited state incentives. Payback runs 9-12 years.
Solar panels in Louisiana cost $2.65 per watt. An 8kW system runs about $21,200 before incentives, dropping to $14,840 after the 30% federal tax credit. Louisiana has strong sun but limited state incentives after the state tax credit expired. Payback runs 10-13 years.
Solar panels in Utah cost $2.70 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $18,900 before incentives, dropping to $13,230 after the 30% federal tax credit. Utah offers a state tax credit and excellent sun exposure (5.5+ peak hours). Payback runs 8-11 years.
Solar panels in Arkansas cost $2.68 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $18,760 before incentives, dropping to $13,132 after the 30% federal tax credit. Arkansas has limited solar incentives but strong net metering. Payback runs 10-13 years.
Solar panels in Oklahoma cost $2.65 per watt. An 8kW system runs about $21,200 before incentives, dropping to $14,840 after the 30% federal tax credit. Oklahoma has excellent sun (5.5+ peak hours) but limited state incentives. Payback runs 10-13 years.
Solar panels in Idaho cost $2.78 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,460 before incentives, dropping to $13,622 after the 30% federal tax credit. Idaho has decent sun exposure and no sales tax on solar. Net metering varies by utility. Payback runs 9-12 years.
Solar panels in Nevada cost $2.55 per watt—among the cheapest due to high demand. An 8kW system runs about $20,400 before incentives, dropping to $14,280 after the 30% federal tax credit. Nevada gets exceptional sun (6.0+ peak hours) and offers net metering. Payback runs 7-10 years.
Solar panels in New Hampshire cost $2.95 per watt. A 6kW system runs about $17,700 before incentives, dropping to $12,390 after the 30% federal tax credit. NH has high electricity rates and offers a state rebate program. Payback runs 7-9 years.
Solar panels in Nebraska cost $2.82 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,740 before incentives, dropping to $13,818 after the 30% federal tax credit. Nebraska has limited solar policies as most utilities are public power. Payback runs 10-13 years.
Solar panels in Maine cost $2.90 per watt. A 6kW system runs about $17,400 before incentives, dropping to $12,180 after the 30% federal tax credit. Maine has strong net metering and property tax exemption. High electricity rates help payback hit 7-10 years.
Solar panels in West Virginia cost $2.85 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,950 before incentives, dropping to $13,965 after the 30% federal tax credit. WV has limited solar policies and low electricity rates. Payback runs 12-15 years.
Solar panels in Delaware cost $2.88 per watt. A 6kW system runs about $17,280 before incentives, dropping to $12,096 after the 30% federal tax credit. Delaware offers SRECs and has strong net metering. Payback runs 7-9 years.
Solar panels in New Mexico cost $2.60 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $18,200 before incentives, dropping to $12,740 after the 30% federal tax credit. NM gets exceptional sun (6.0+ peak hours) and offers a 10% state tax credit. Payback runs 7-10 years.
Solar panels in Mississippi cost $2.62 per watt. An 8kW system runs about $20,960 before incentives, dropping to $14,672 after the 30% federal tax credit. Mississippi has limited solar incentives and low electricity rates. Payback runs 11-14 years.
Solar panels in South Dakota cost $2.85 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $19,950 before incentives, dropping to $13,965 after the 30% federal tax credit. SD has no state income tax and limited solar incentives. Payback runs 10-13 years.
Solar panels in Montana cost $2.92 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $20,440 before incentives, dropping to $14,308 after the 30% federal tax credit. Montana has no state income tax, limiting tax credit options, but offers property tax exemption. Payback runs 10-13 years.
Solar panels in North Dakota cost $2.88 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $20,160 before incentives, dropping to $14,112 after the 30% federal tax credit. ND has limited solar development but strong net metering. Payback runs 11-14 years.
Solar panels in Rhode Island cost $3.05 per watt. A 6kW system runs about $18,300 before incentives, dropping to $12,810 after the 30% federal tax credit. RI has excellent solar incentives including REF grants and RECs. High electricity rates ($0.26/kWh) speed payback to 5-7 years.
Solar panels in Hawaii cost $3.20 per watt—highest in the US but still worth it. A 7kW system runs about $22,400 before incentives, dropping to $15,680 after the 30% federal tax credit. Hawaii's electricity rates are the highest in the nation ($0.40+/kWh), making solar economics excellent. Payback runs 5-7 years.
Solar panels in Wyoming cost $2.90 per watt. A 7kW system runs about $20,300 before incentives, dropping to $14,210 after the 30% federal tax credit. Wyoming has no state income tax and limited solar incentives, but decent sun exposure. Payback runs 11-14 years.
Solar panels in Vermont cost $3.00 per watt. A 6kW system runs about $18,000 before incentives, dropping to $12,600 after the 30% federal tax credit. Vermont has strong renewable energy policies and net metering. High electricity rates help payback hit 7-9 years.
Solar panels in Alaska cost $3.10 per watt. A 6kW system runs about $18,600 before incentives, dropping to $13,020 after the 30% federal tax credit. Alaska's extreme seasonal variation affects solar viability, but summer produces abundant power. Net metering varies by utility. Payback runs 12-16 years.
Solar panels in DC cost $3.05 per watt. A 5kW system runs about $15,250 before incentives, dropping to $10,675 after the 30% federal tax credit. DC offers excellent SRECs worth $350-400 each. High electricity rates and strong policies make payback just 4-6 years.
The US installed more residential solar in 2024 than any previous year. With the 30% federal tax credit expiring December 31, 2025, homeowners have one final window to lock in maximum savings.
Utilities nationwide are revising net metering policies, with some states cutting export compensation by 75%. Here's what's changing, which states to watch, and how to protect your solar investment.
Solar in Texas isn't just about saving money—it's about keeping your lights on when the grid fails. Here's your complete guide to going solar in the Lone Star State.
NEM 3.0 changed the California solar math—but it didn't kill it. Here's how to make solar work in 2025, and why batteries are now essential.
With 300+ sunny days per year, Arizona is prime solar territory. Here's what it costs and how much you'll save.
New York offers some of the best solar incentives in the country. Here's how to maximize your savings.
Colorado's 300 days of sunshine and solid incentives make it prime solar territory. Here's what Front Range and mountain homeowners should know.
TLDR: New Hampshire solar costs $2.80-$3.40 per watt before incentives. Net metering at full retail rates. Cold winters reduce production but high electricity rates ($0.22/kWh) make solar worthwhile. Federal 30% tax credit expires December 31, 2025.
TLDR: New Jersey has the best solar incentives in the nation. Successor Solar Incentive program pays $90-$170 per MWh produced. Full retail net metering. Combined with 30% federal credit (expires December 31, 2025), payback periods are just 4-6 years.
TLDR: New Mexico averages 6.0+ peak sun hours daily—among the best in the nation. State tax credit of 10% (up to $6,000) stacks with 30% federal credit. Low installation costs. Federal credit expires December 31, 2025.
TLDR: New York offers NY-Sun rebates up to $0.20/watt, VDER credits for solar exports, property tax exemption, and 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000). Combined with 30% federal credit (expires December 31, 2025), New York solar is highly attractive.
TLDR: North Carolina ranks top 5 nationally in solar installations. Duke Energy territories have specific programs. No state tax credit but property tax exemption helps. 30% federal credit expires December 31, 2025. 5-7 year payback is common.
TLDR: North Dakota has low electricity rates but good sunshine (4.5-5.0 peak sun hours). Net metering is available but limited. 30% federal credit is crucial—expires December 31, 2025. Longer payback but solid long-term value.
TLDR: Rhode Island's Renewable Energy Fund provides $0.55-$0.85/watt rebates. Full retail net metering. High electricity rates ($0.25/kWh). Combined with 30% federal credit (expires December 31, 2025), payback periods are just 4-6 years.
TLDR: South Carolina offers a 25% state tax credit (uncapped). Combined with 30% federal credit, that's 55% off solar costs. Duke Energy and Dominion territories have net metering. Federal credit expires December 31, 2025. Payback: 4-6 years.
TLDR: South Dakota has no state incentives but low installation costs and good sunshine. The 30% federal credit (expires December 31, 2025) is essential. Low electricity rates mean longer payback but solid long-term value.
TLDR: West Virginia has modest solar resources but improving economics. No state incentives—30% federal credit is crucial (expires December 31, 2025). Net metering available. Lower costs offset less sunshine. 8-12 year payback typical.