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. Your actual cost depends on your home's energy needs, roof characteristics, location and other factors, all of which we'll break down in this guide.
These costs are for a typical 7 kW residential system ($19,873 average). Monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels are the most common types of solar panels. Most residential installations use monocrystalline photovoltaics (PV) panels, which offer up to 24% efficiency and perform better in limited space and extreme temperatures.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular choice for residential installation (nearly all residential solar panels installed in 2022 were monocrystalline) because they have the highest efficiency rates from 17% to 22%. The average cost for these panels is between $1 and $1.50 per watt, but prices may differ depending on location.
Specific sources for this article include: EnergySage, “ Solar panel cost in 2025: It may be lower than you think.” Accessed Jan. 7, 2026. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “ Solar Installed System Cost Analysis.” Accessed Jan. 7, 2026. SolarReviews, “ Solar Panel Costs in 2026: It's Usually Worth It.” Accessed Jan. 7, 2026.
These benchmarks help measure progress toward goals for reducing solar electricity costs and guide SETO research and development programs. Read more to find out how these cost benchmarks are modeled and download the data and cost modeling program below.
The MMP results are $30.36 (residential), $40.51 (community solar), and $16.58 (utility-scale). The community solar O&M cost is higher than the O&M cost for a single-customer commercial PV system of similar configuration because of the community solar subscriber management cost, which accounts for about 40% of the total community solar O&M cost.
Our operations and maintenance (O&M) analysis breaks costs into various categories and provides total annualized O&M costs. The MSP results for PV systems (in units of 2022 real USD/kWdc/yr) are $28.78 (residential), $39.83 (community solar), and $16.12 (utility-scale).
The PV System Cost Model (PVSCM) was developed by SETO and NREL to make the cost benchmarks simpler and more transparent, while expanding to cover PV product components not previously benchmarked. PVSCM can also facilitate sensitivity analysis based on key system parameters in their intrinsic units.
Outdoor installations make solar batteries more susceptible to theft and damage from the environment. To minimize the risk, it's essential to use locks, enclosures, and even security cameras to protect your battery from theft or vandalism. Outdoor solar batteries require regular maintenance.
To maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your outdoor solar battery, follow these best practices: For added protection against the elements, consider installing your battery inside a weatherproof enclosure or a dedicated shed. This will protect the battery from rain, snow, and excessive UV exposure.
To ensure your solar battery installation is safe, efficient, and compliant with local regulations, follow these requirements: Ensure the solar battery you choose is designed for outdoor use and has adequate weatherproofing.
Outdoor solar batteries require easy access for maintenance. Choose a location that allows for straightforward inspections, cleaning, and servicing. You should also have space to monitor the battery management system (BMS), which tracks essential metrics like temperature and charge cycles.
In 2025, the cost of an individual solar panel in Australia ranges from $80 to over $300 per panel, depending on brand and wattage. Budget panels from Jinko, Trina, or Seraphim retail for under $150 each, while premium modules like SunPower or REC cost $250–$300+. A typical home system uses 14–28 panels.
Maintenance: Although solar farms have lower maintenance costs than traditional power plants, periodic cleaning and repairs are essential to ensure maximum efficiency. According to recent estimates, the cost of setting up a solar farm in Australia can range between $1 million to $1.5 million per megawatt (MW) of installed capacity.
While the initial investment and land-use issues present challenges, the long-term environmental and economic benefits are undeniable. As solar technology costs continue to decline, and with government support, solar farms will become an even more viable and essential component of Australia's energy landscape.
The Cost Spectrum: The choice between a value-oriented “budget” panel and a high-performance “premium” panel can have a substantial impact on the upfront cost. A budget-friendly panel from a reputable manufacturer like Jinko might cost around $130 per unit. In contrast, a premium panel from a brand like SunPower could easily exceed $290 per unit.
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