Are cheap solar panels worth it?

It’s important to realize that even cheap solar panels will still require a substantial upfront investment. Solar panels account for just 12% of a solar installation’s total costs, so even choosing more affordable solar panels only lowers the price by a few hundred dollars.

How much does solar power cost in 2025?

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.

Which solar panels are best?

JA Solar’s newest monocrystalline panels reach up to 23% efficiency, which is great, especially when you consider how budget-friendly they are for home solar panel system installations. With a solid warranty to back up their great performance, JA Solar is one of the best affordable solar brands on the market. 4. Trina Solar: Vertex S TSM-NEO9RC.05

How much do solar panels cost?

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.

Why are rooftop solar panels more affordable?

For homeowners, these global cost trends translate into more affordable rooftop solar installations. As utility-scale solar prices fall, residential systems also benefit from cheaper panels, lower installation costs, and more competitive financing.

How much does solar cost per kilowatt-hour?

The best way to measure such costs is called the levelized cost of electricity, which is essentially the lifetime cost per unit of electricity generated. The global weighted average LCOE stabilized at $0.043 per kilowatt-hour for utility-scale solar PV. This made solar 41% cheaper than the least-cost fossil fuel option.