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Over the last ten years, the cost of installing solar panels has decreased by over 45%1, fueling growth across new markets and deploying thousands of systems across the country. The upfront price for an average-sized residential solar system has fallen from $40,000 in 2010 to about $25,000 today. Meanwhile, utility-scale solar now costs between $24/MWh and $96/MWh, making it competitive with all other types of energy generation.
While the cost to install solar panels on your home may fluctuate, leasing solar panels through the Sunrun Subscription Plan allows you to take advantage of customized clean energy, resilient backup power, and predictable rates with an affordable monthly plan for as little as $0 down.
For those who choose to own their solar energy system, let’s dive into the cost of solar panel installation, maintenance and hardware costs, along with alternative financing options:
The true cost of solar panels
The average cost of residential solar keeps falling2. Solar panels are rapidly spreading on rooftops across the country, and that influx is affecting how much solar panels cost. As the solar cost continues to fall, it’s no surprise that more and more homeowners are putting solar panels on their homes. Today’s residential solar panels are more affordable than ever, featuring advanced technology that maximizes power production and supports modern living.
While the exact price will vary based on location, the size and scope of your installation, and available tax credits and rebates, homeowners can expect a range that makes renewable energy an attainable investment for a sustainable future. This move can reduce your carbon footprint and may decrease your electricity bills over time, making solar panels a smart, eco-friendly choice for energy independence.
How much does the average solar system cost?
8 factors influencing solar energy system costs
Various factors come into play when considering the cost of installing solar panels, shaping the overall expense of transitioning to solar energy. Let's delve into these aspects:
1. Solar system size
The size of your solar energy system is determined by factors such as your energy consumption, the roof's sunlight exposure, and the efficiency of solar panels. Typically favored by homeowners, monocrystalline solar panels stand out as the preferred option due to their superior efficiency and aesthetics. Consequently, the total expense of your solar system hinges on the wattage required to sustain your household's energy needs and plan for any future increases in electricity consumption.
2. Cost vs. savings
Several elements, including regional sunlight exposure, electricity rates, energy consumption, and available rebates and incentives, influence the potential savings from installing solar panels. When you partner with Sunrun for a Subscription Plan, our experienced solar advisors can handle all aspects of your home solar system installation from paperwork to permits, to ensure your system is fully customized to your unique energy needs.
3. Solar panel installation cost
Installation costs encompass various components, as outlined by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL):
Category | Cost Breakdown |
|---|---|
Labor | ~$0.22 |
Panels | ~$0.30 |
Inverter | ~$0.34 |
Permitting, Interconnection, & Inspection | ~$0.09 |
Structural BOS | ~$0.11 |
Electrical BOS | ~$0.26 |
Design & Engineering | ~$0.07 |
Logistics & Misc. | ~$0.08 |
Taxes | ~$0.24 |
Customer Acquisition/Origination | ~$0.84 |
Overhead & Margin | ~$0.73 |
Source: NREL Q1 2024 Solar Cost Benchmarks. Assumes ~8 kWdc residential rooftop system with high-efficiency modules and microinverters.
**Wdc: Watts direct current
4. Solar panel maintenance and repairs
Solar panel maintenance ranges from routine cleaning to major repairs. On average, households pay $150-$300 for solar panel cleaning. Solar panel cleaning companies charge between $15 and $30 per solar panel based on roof slant, home height, and system size. Some solar installers charge a flat fee for a system cleaning. If your system is cleaned professionally twice per year, total annual maintenance costs typically range from $300–$600.; however, many homeowners find that they do not need to clean their panels that often.
Solar panel systems are generally low-maintenance, but occasional issues can arise over a 25-year lifetime.
The four most common types of damage to a home solar system and the costs of repairs are*:
Category | Cost Breakdown |
|
|---|---|---|
Panel replacement or repair | $400–$1,200+ per panel | $0 |
Wiring damage | $100-$1,000+ | $0 |
Replacement inverter | $400-$1,000 per unit | $0 |
Monitoring or communication fixes | $100-$400 | $0 |
*Source: Industry data from installer surveys and solar claims platforms ( SolarReviews Installer Survey Data: Solar Panel Repairs & SolarInsure Claims & Cost Data: Solar Maintenance Costs). When warranties do not cover the damage.
A replacement inverter is the most common repair, and this is a planned maintenance item every 10-13 years. Like cleaning costs, the amount you pay for repairs is affected by roof steepness, system type, and system size. And if your solar panels have extensive damage, it may be cheaper to replace them.
When you own your system, you are responsible for the cost of maintenance and repairs. Your warranty should cover specific system failures; contact your installer before you begin repairs. You save thousands of dollars in maintenance and repairs when you lease your solar panels through the Sunrun Subscription Plan. You simply pay for the power, and we take care of the rest. Our comprehensive service package features the Sunrun Guarantee, which includes best-in-class monitoring, free equipment replacement, system repairs, including parts and labor, and routine maintenance.
If you’re set on buying your own home solar system, you can also purchase our full-service package, Protection Plus. While the system is yours, we’ll give you the same comprehensive support that comes with our Sunrun Guarantee.
5. Solar panel manufacturers
Partnering with leading manufacturers can ensure quality and performance. Skip ahead to factor #7 to read more about hardware options. Each option has a different benefit that influences the cost.
6. Geographical location
Solar panel costs vary across states, with factors like local incentives and sunlight exposure playing a significant role. For instance, Florida has lower installation costs compared to Rhode Island, despite both having different average costs.
Just because a residential solar system costs more in a given state doesn’t mean it’s any less cost effective. Local incentives can make a huge dent in solar panel installation costs even in the most expensive states.
7. Hardware options
Different types of solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film) come with varying costs and efficiencies. Monocrystalline panels, though pricier, offer higher efficiency and longer warranties compared to polycrystalline and thin-film options.
The three most common kinds of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Learn more about different types of solar panels.
The type of panels you choose will factor into the system's price. But remember that if you decide to lease, you’ll pay for the power rather than the solar panels. The cost of solar will come down to the amount of solar power you’re projected to use under your lease agreement.
8. Solar tax credits (What to know in 2026)
As of 2026, federal solar tax credits are no longer available for newly installed customer-owned residential solar systems. Homeowners who installed solar on or before December 31, 2025 may still qualify when filing eligible tax returns, but new installations of customer-owned systems on or after January 1, 2026 will not be eligible for a federal solar tax credit.
Instead, the value of going solar today is driven by long-term energy predictability and protection from rising utility rates. Many homeowners choose subscription-based solar and storage to avoid large upfront costs while benefiting from clean energy, predictable payments, and system maintenance handled for them.
When evaluating solar in 2026, the most important factors are total energy costs over time, local electricity rates, and whether ownership or a subscription model better fits your needs.
Why install solar panels with Sunrun
Every home is different, and your electricity demands are unique. Our experts are here to help you. Sunrun designs, installs, finances, insures, monitors, and maintains home solar systems, while families receive predictable pricing for 25 years or more. As the nation’s largest residential solar, battery storage, and energy services company, we provide families with industry-leading services, products, and financing options to meet different peoples’ needs. Our solar leases offer the financial value and flexibility you deserve.
Frequently asked questions: Cost of solar
How much does solar cost in 2026?
The cost of solar in 2026 depends on your home, energy usage, location, and whether your system includes solar battery storage. While purchasing a solar system with storage requires a higher upfront investment, many homeowners choose subscription-based solar (like the Surun Subscription Plan) with battery storage to avoid large upfront costs and benefit from predictable monthly payments.
A personalized quote is the best way to understand how solar and battery storage would impact your energy costs compared to your current utility bill.
What factors affect the cost of a solar system?
Several factors influence the total cost and value of solar, including:
Household electricity usage
Roof size, shape, and condition
Local utility rates and peak pricing
System size and equipment
Whether you include battery storage
Whether you choose to own your system or subscribe
Adding battery storage can increase system cost, but it also adds value by enabling energy backup and greater control over when you use your solar power.
Is solar still worth it without tax credits?
For many homeowners, yes. In 2026, the value of solar is driven by long-term electricity savings, protection from rising utility rates, and energy resilience, especially when paired with battery storage.
Solar batteries allow homeowners to store excess solar energy for use at night, during peak utility hours, or during power outages, increasing the overall value of a solar system even without federal incentives.
How much does solar maintenance cost?
Solar systems are generally low maintenance. For homeowners who own their system, maintenance may include occasional cleaning, inverter servicing, or battery-related upkeep over time.
With a solar and battery subscription like the Sunrun Subscription Plan, monitoring, maintenance, and repairs, including battery support, are included, reducing out-of-pocket costs and ongoing responsibilities for homeowners.
Is it better to buy solar panels or subscribe to solar?
Whether it's better to own your solar system outright or subscribe to solar depends on your goals.
Buying solar panels and batteries may appeal to homeowners who want full ownership and are comfortable managing maintenance over time.
Subscribing to solar with battery storage is often preferred by homeowners who want little to no upfront cost, predictable monthly payments, backup power, and maintenance included.
Both options can deliver long-term value, especially when battery storage is part of the system.