How much does a 7 kW solar panel system cost?

If you're looking to install solar panels on your roof, a 7-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system can be the right size to significantly reduce your electricity costs. Want to know the best way to ensure you're getting the right price for your solar panel installation and maximizing your long-term savings? Compare offers for 7 kW solar systems with the prices that have been quoted to other solar shoppers in your area.

As of January 2022, the average cost of solar in the U.S. is $2.77 per watt ($19,390 for a 7-kilowatt system). That means that the total cost for a 7 kW solar system would be $14,349 after the federal solar tax credit discount (not factoring in any additional state rebates or incentives).

To understand the range of prices solar shoppers pay for 7 kW solar energy systems across the United States, we analyzed solar quotes from the EnergySage Solar Marketplace. On EnergySage, homeowners compare offers from solar installers to shop for the right home solar panel system at the right price.

The prices included in the table below represent the price homeowners pay for a 7 kW solar energy system before the federal tax credit for solar has been deducted. In some parts of the United States, you may also be able to access solar rebates and incentives from the state government, local government, or utilities that can cut your out-of-pocket solar costs even further. Some states also have a market for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), where you can earn additional income by selling the SRECs your system generates.

Even if you live in an area that does not offer additional solar incentives or rebates, reviewing offers from multiple solar companies will ensure you get the best price for your solar panel system. Homeowners who compare solar offers on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace generally save 20 percent simply by reviewing multiple solar options from different companies.

How much does a 7,000-watt solar system cost in my state?

These numbers offer a good reference point for homeowners beginning the solar shopping process. However, many factors determine the cost of a solar energy system – high-efficiency equipment and special accommodations for complicated roofs are just two factors that can impact system price. Reputable solar installers will walk you through their proposal in detail, so if you receive a quote from a solar company that's significantly higher or lower than the range for a 7 kW solar system in your state, ask them for an explanation.

It should come as no surprise that the amount of sunshine where you live is the most important factor determining how much electricity your solar panels will produce. For example, if you install a 7 kW solar panel system on your roof in Phoenix, you'll generate about 25 percent more electricity than if you installed the same system in Boston. That doesn't mean you have to live in Arizona for solar to be a good option for your home – solar is a smart investment wherever electricity rates are high.

The table below shows estimated average electricity production numbers for 7 kW solar energy systems in cities across the United States. As a comparison, the average U.S. household uses 893 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a month, a total of 10,715 kWh per year. We used PV Watts, a National Renewable Energy Laboratory tool, to develop these estimates.

Solar electricity output of a 7 kW solar panel system in U.S. cities

Ready to get started? When you shop for solar through the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, you can review multiple offers from solar companies and find the best offer for your solar installation. The EnergySage Marketplace offers comprehensive, easy-to-understand comparison tables that make reviewing all of your equipment options, financing offers, and solar company reviews easy. When you compare multiple solar quotes, you can feel confident that you're making the best investment possible for your home.