“Understanding Solar Panel Cost per Sq Ft: A Comprehensive Guide”
Solar Panel Cost Per Sq Ft ranges from $4 to $10. However, Most installers estimate solar prices based on the amount of energy required, which ranges from $2.53 to $3.15 per watt before any tax credits or incentives. Solar panels have become increasingly popular as an alternative energy source for households and companies trying to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and to lower their energy costs. One of the most significant variables to consider when installing solar panels is the cost per square foot. In this comprehensive article, we’ll look at the cost of solar panels per square foot, as well as the factors that influence it.
Table of Contents
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost Per Square Foot?
- Factors That Affect Solar Panel Cost per Sq Ft
- Residential Cost of Solar Panels By State
- Commercial Solar Panel Cost
- How Does The Federal Solar Tax Credit Work?
1. How Much Do Solar Panels Cost Per Square Foot?
The cost of solar panels varies based on the kind of panel, the quality of installation, and the location. The cost per square foot generally ranges from $2 to $7, but this is only an average; the real cost may be higher or lower based on your unique conditions.
Cost To Install Solar Panels On House |
Home Size (sq. ft.) Average Cost |
1,000 $4,760 – $5,950 |
1,500 $7,140 – $8,925 |
2,000 $9,520 – $11,900 |
2,500 $11,900 – $14,875 |
3,000 $14,280 – $17,850 |
2.Solar Panel Cost for 1000 Sq Ft Home
The cost of installing solar panels on a 1000-square-foot home might vary based on several factors. It can cost between $7,000 and $14,000 on average, however, the real cost can vary based on the type of panel used and region.
3.Cost of Solar Panels for 1200 Square Foot Home
The Cost of Installing Solar Panels on a 1200-square-foot home might vary based on location, panel size and type, and other factors. It costs between $9,000 and $18,000 on average, but it is important to acquire a specific price from a proper installation.
4.Solar Panels for 1500 Sq Ft Home
The cost of installing solar panels on a 1500-square-foot home varies based on the location, size, and kind of panel utilized. It can cost between $11,000 and $22,000 on average, however, the exact cost will depend on your unique circumstances.
5.Factors That Affect Solar Panel Cost per Sq Ft
Numerous factors can affect the price of Solar Panels per square foot, including:
Type of Panel – There are several types of solar panels on the market, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. The cost per square foot can be affected by the kind of panel used.
Installation Quality:
The cost per square foot can be influenced by the installation quality. A poorly installed system may need more maintenance or repairs, raising the overall cost.
Installation Location:
The location of the installation might affect the cost per square foot. Some places may require more or fewer solar panels to provide enough electricity, and material and labor costs may vary by location.
Government Incentives:
Several local and state governments provide incentives for solar panel installation, which helps balance the entire cost.
Company & Installer:
The cost of solar panels per square foot might also vary depending on the company and installation hired.
6.Residential Cost of Solar Panels By State
The average cost of solar varies greatly by state, based on the cost of power in the area. The average costs per watt and system size in the United States after deducting the 30% federal solar tax credit are included below.
State | Per Watt | 6 kW System | 10 KW System |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | $2.02 – $2.85 | $12,120 – $17,100 | $20,200 – $28,500 |
Alaska | $2.23 – $3.13 | $13,380 – $18,780 | $22,300 – $31,300 |
Arizona | $1.88 – $2.35 | $11,286 – $14,118 | $18,810 – $23,530 |
Arkansas | $2.42 – $2.74 | $14,520 – $16,440 | $24,200 – $27,400 |
California | $1.82 – $2.29 | $10,926 – $13,758 | $18,210 – $22,930 |
Colorado | $1.96 – $2.39 | $11,730 – $14,310 | $19,550 – $23,850 |
Connecticut | $1.99 – $2.49 | $11,994 – $14,994 | $19,990 – $24,990 |
Washington D.C. | $1.75 – $2.57 | $10,518 – $15,450 | $17,530 – $25,750 |
Delaware | $1.95 – $2.13 | $11,742 – $12,810 | $19,570 – $21,350 |
Florida | $1.48 – $2.09 | $8,880 – $12,552 | $14,800 – $20,920 |
Georgia | $1.91 – $2.14 | $11,448 – $12,852 | $19,080 – $21,420 |
Idaho | $2.03 – $2.22 | $12,162 – $13,314 | $20,270 – $22,190 |
Iowa | $2.20 – $2.38 | $13,200 – $14,268 | $22,000 – $23,780 |
Illinois | $2.01 – $2.52 | $12,078 – $15,162 | $20,130 – $25,270 |
Indiana | $2.07 – $2.49 | $12,444 – $14,940 | $20,740 – $24,900 |
Kansas | $1.49 – $2.06 | $8,940 – $12,360 | $14,900 – $20,600 |
Kentucky | $2.35 – $3.04 | $14,100 – $18,240 | $23,500 – $30,400 |
Louisiana | $1.77 – $2.33 | $10,644 – $13,980 | $17,740 – $23,300 |
New York | $1.80 – $2.64 | $10,824 – $15,840 | $18,040 – $26,400 |
7.Commercial Solar Panel Cost
Before any tax breaks or incentives, a 10 kW to 2 MW Commercial Solar Panel System costs $1.83 per watt. Massive fixed-tilt or one-axis tracking utility-scale systems larger than 2 MW average $1.06 per watt. A 100 kW system costs $43,000 to $175,000 for small and medium-sized companies. Using tax credits and rebate schemes, businesses may recoup 45% of their solar panel costs in the first year.
Commercial Solar Panel Cost |
System Size Average Cost Before Tax Credits |
25 kW $43,500 to $56,000 |
50 kW $87,500 to $113,000 |
100 kW $175,000 to $225,500 |
250 kW $437,000 to $563,500 |
8.How Does The Federal Solar Tax Credit Work?
The federal solar tax credit allows you to deduct from your federal taxes 30% of the entire cost of installing a solar energy system.
The Home Clean Energy Credit, formerly known as the Investment Tax credit (ITC), is unlimited and applies to both residential and commercial solar installations. Federal tax incentives are not available for leased solar panels.
Year | Residential | Commercial |
2022 – 2032 | 30% | 30% |
2033 | 26% | 26% |
2034 | 22% | 22% |
2035 | 0% | 10% |
The cost of solar panels varies according to the kind and size of the system, installation expenses, and state incentives. Commercial solar panel costs may be greater due to the bigger system required, however, the Federal Solar Tax Credit may help offset some of the expenses. While the initial investment may appear to be excessive, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make it a worthwhile investment for many people and businesses.