How much do solar panels cost?

Solar panels only represent a fraction of system costs, and this has been analyzed by the NREL. The November 2021 technical report considers a PV module cost of $0.34 per watt, which is equivalent to:

Does commercial solar cost a lot?

The solar price for commercial projects varies based on system size, location, energy needs, and available incentives. Unlike residential solar, commercial solar pricing benefits from economies of scale, resulting in a lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).

What is commercial solar PV?

Commercial solar PV refers to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on businesses, offices, factories, and other commercial properties to generate electricity. The solar price for commercial projects varies based on system size, location, energy needs, and available incentives.

Why do solar panels cost so much?

As the size of a solar array increases, photovoltaic modules represent a higher percentage of total costs, while the percentage of soft costs decreases. This is also why large projects are more sensitive to solar module prices, and more dependent on low-cost imports from overseas.

Who makes the best solar panels?

Currently, SunPower, LG, REC, and Panasonic make the best solar panels due to their high efficiencies, competitive pricing, and 25-year warranty. If you’re looking for more detail, read our article that compares the top brands and solar panel products.

Are solar panels financially viable?

As the size of solar projects increases, their cost per watt decreases significantly. This is reflected in the average prices from most recent NREL technical report: Note how the cost per watt is nearly 70% lower in utility-scale PV systems, compared with small residential systems. However, solar panels are financially viable at all project scales.