01 / System size
Bigger systems cost more total but less per watt. Your usage determines the right size.
SOLAR COSTS
What solar actually costs.
A transparent breakdown of equipment, installation, financing and the factors that move your final price.
Request a consultation ↗TRANSPARENCY FIRST
No mystery pricing.
Solar pricing is usually quoted per watt. A typical residential system in New Jersey and Pennsylvania runs roughly $2.80 to $4.00 per watt before incentives. Here is how that number is built, so you can read any proposal with confidence.
Calculate your costs ↗$2.80–$4.00 / W30% FEDERAL CREDITPER-WATT PRICING
THE COST BREAKDOWN
A sample 8 kW system.
An 8 kW system at $3.00/W is about $24,000 gross. The 30% federal tax credit reduces it to roughly $16,800 net. Ranges below are typical; your final quote depends on equipment and conditions.
| Component | Typical range | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panels (20 × 400W) | $7,000–$9,500 | Largest variable; tier and efficiency drive price. |
| Inverters (microinverters) | $2,500–$4,000 | Microinverters vs. string inverter affects cost and performance. |
| Racking & mounting | $1,500–$2,500 | Roof type and attachment method. |
| Electrical & installation labor | $5,000–$7,500 | Crew, equipment and time on roof. |
| Permitting & interconnection | $1,000–$2,000 | Municipal and utility approvals. |
| Design & project management | $1,000–$2,000 | Engineering and coordination. |
| Battery storage (13.5 kWh) | $10,000–$14,000 | Optional add-on; more capacity costs more. |
Gross cost
$24,000
Federal tax credit (30%)
−$7,200
Net cost
$16,800
Sample figures use $3.00/W for an 8 kW system. Tax credit eligibility depends on your tax liability. State incentives like NJ SRECs and PA net metering can further improve returns.
EQUIPMENT COSTS
Panels, inverters and racking.
Equipment is the biggest cost driver. Premium high-efficiency panels cost more per watt but produce more in limited roof space. Microinverters add upfront cost but improve shade resilience and monitoring. Your equipment choices shape both price and long-term performance.
Estimate equipment costs ↗INSTALLATION COSTS
Labor, permits and approvals.
Installation labor, electrical work, municipal permits and utility interconnection are baked into your per-watt price. Complex roofs, multiple levels, tile or slate, and longer wire runs all increase labor. A straightforward asphalt-shingle roof keeps install costs lower.
Get a tailored estimate ↗BATTERY COSTS
Storage adds capability.
A 13.5 kWh battery typically adds $10,000 to $14,000 before the federal credit, which can also apply to storage charged by solar. More capacity means more backup runtime. Whether storage is worth it depends on your outage risk, utility rate structure and backup needs.
Size your battery ↗FACTORS THAT MOVE PRICE
What changes your number.
02 / Roof complexity
Multiple planes, steep pitches, skylights and tile increase labor time and cost.
03 / Equipment tier
Premium panels and microinverters raise price but can improve output and longevity.
04 / Battery storage
Adding batteries significantly increases cost but adds resilience and backup value.
05 / Location & permitting
Local permitting fees, utility requirements and code differ by town and state.
06 / Financing
Loans add interest; leases and PPAs shift ownership and long-term economics.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Run the numbers yourself.
Use our calculators for transparent estimates, or qualify in minutes to get a proposal built around your home.