These benchmarks help measure progress toward goals for reducing solar electricity costs and guide SETO research and development programs. . NLR analyzes the total costs associated with installing photovoltaic (PV) systems for residential rooftop, commercial rooftop, and utility-scale ground-mount systems. Most homeowners spend between $12,600 and $33,376 to install a complete residential solar system in 2026, with the national average at $19,873 before incentives. So, what's standing in the way of American homeowners and solar panels? The biggest hurdle is often the perceived “upfront cost” of installing solar panels. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and its national laboratory partners analyze cost data for U. Published: February 2026 Solar panels cost about $21,816 on average when purchased with cash or $26,004 when purchased with a loan for a 7. While that price tag seems steep, the electricity. .
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