Prices of Solar Rooftop Systems

For example, Tesla Solar Roof costs around $75,000 for a complex design. However, if you have a smaller home or want to install only a few integrated solar shingles, you might be able to finish your project for as little as $15,000, with all fees included. A solar roof can save you money on your energy bills, so you recoup the cost in the long run.

The price of solar panels changes depending on where you live, but the average for installation is just under $29,000 or $2.75 per watt. On the high end, we talked to a solar customer in Hawaii who spent $100,000 going solar. Dion in Nevada said their 10-kW system cost about $20,000, which is about the national average price for a 7-kW system.

On the high end, we talked to a solar customer in Hawaii who spent $100,000 going solar. Dion in Nevada said their 10-kW system cost about $20,000, which is about the national average price for a 7-kW system. What else affects solar installation costs?

The upfront cost of a Tesla Solar Roof is about $75,000 total. On the other hand, solar shingles from Tesla's competitors are often more affordable because they provide individual shingles that can be integrated into an existing roof. Solar shingles come in a variety of wattages, depending on the brand and quality.

At its core, rooftop solar is a way to pre-purchase 25 years of electricity in order to hedge against ever-rising utility rates – quite similar to buying bulk coffee grounds instead of individual Venti Lattes from Starbucks. The return on this long-term investment depends on a handful of key factors, including the price of the solar system itself.

Take control of your energy costs with solar power. Solar panels generate “free” electricity, but installing a system still costs money. A typical American household needs a 10-kilowatt (kW) system to adequately power their home, which costs $28,241 in 2025.