Solar Installation Cost Calculator
Build a quote-based solar cost estimate from system size and local installed price per watt.
Solar Installation Cost Calculator
Enter a local quote-based price per watt. The calculator intentionally does not assume a nationwide installation price.
How the estimate works
Gross cost = System kW × 1,000 × installed $/W + fixed project costs
Net upfront cost = Gross cost − upfront incentives
For energy-production estimates, use location-specific solar resource data. NREL's PVWatts is designed to estimate PV production from location and system inputs, and explicitly notes uncertainty in performance predictions.
Primary sources
Frequently asked questions
What price per watt should I enter?
Use the all-in cash quote divided by the DC system size in watts, while checking which fixed costs and add-ons are included.
Does this include a battery?
Only if you include the battery and related hardware in the price-per-watt or fixed-cost input. For clarity, it is often better to model battery cost separately.
Is solar production included?
No. Cost and production are separate. Use the solar sizing/payback tools and location-specific production estimates for energy output.
Planning estimate only. Local tariffs, equipment performance, installation requirements and incentives can materially change results.