How much does home solar cost?

Most US installations land between $15,000 and $34,000 before incentives, depending on system size and equipment. The 30% federal credit applies to owned systems if you're eligible, and some states and utilities add rebates on top.

Will solar work if my roof is shaded?

Partial shade doesn't rule solar out, but it reduces output and may change the equipment used. An installer will model your roof before proposing a system size.

Should I replace my roof before installing solar?

If your roof has less than ten years of life left, most installers recommend replacing it first. Removing and re-installing panels later typically costs a few thousand dollars.

HOME SOLAR & BATTERY

Thinking About Going Solar?See What Your Roof Could Do.

Answer a few questions about your home and power bill, and compare solar options from installers who cover your area. No obligation, no pressure.

Compare Solar Options

Quick & simple • No obligation to purchase

Takes a few minutes

No obligation to purchase

Matched by location

Independent service

Compare with confidence

Research First. Connect When You’re Ready.

Pickwise helps you understand the project, compare the choices and connect with relevant professionals serving your area — without pretending to be the company doing the work.

We check credentials

Before a professional joins our network we review licensing and insurance details for the states they say they serve.

We check track record

We look at how long a company has been operating, the work they specialise in and how they handle homeowner enquiries.

We keep the network small

We would rather match you with fewer, better-suited professionals than pass your details to everyone who asks for them.

We remove who doesn't measure up

Companies that stop meeting our standards, or that homeowners repeatedly report issues with, are removed from the network.

Your details are handled carefully

We match your enquiry to professionals suited to your project and location, and handle your information in line with our Privacy Policy.

Being matched is never a recommendation to buy, and there is no obligation to go ahead with anything. If nothing feels right, walking away costs you nothing.

Research. Understand. Compare. Connect.

Tell Us What You Need

Answer a few quick questions about your home and the work you're planning.

Explore Your Options

We'll use your project and location to identify suitable options available in your area.

Speak With A Professional

A matched professional may contact you to discuss your project and next steps.

Homeowner guide

What Changes A Solar Quote

No two homes are the same, which is why comparing matters. These are the decisions that move the number most.

Your utility's net metering

What you're paid for exported power varies by state and utility, and it's often the single biggest factor in whether solar pays back quickly or slowly.

Roof orientation and shade

South and west-facing roof planes generally produce most. Tree cover, dormers and vents all reduce usable area, which changes system size.

Roof age and condition

Panels last 25 years or more. If your shingles have under ten years left, most installers will recommend re-roofing first rather than removing and re-setting panels later.

Cash, loan, lease or PPA

Ownership earns the federal tax credit; leases and power purchase agreements do not. The lowest monthly payment is not always the lowest lifetime cost.

Battery backup

Storage keeps essential circuits running in an outage and can shift usage away from expensive peak hours. It adds meaningful cost, so it's worth pricing separately.

Permits and interconnection

Your city permit and utility interconnection approval control the timeline more than installation does. Ask who files what, and how long it's taking locally.

What Homeowners Typically Pay

6 kW system: $15,000 – $21,000
8 kW system: $19,000 – $27,000
10 kW system: $24,000 – $34,000
Home battery (per unit): $10,000 – $18,000
Federal tax credit: 30% of system cost

Typical US ranges before incentives. Pickwise does not quote prices or guarantee incentive eligibility — confirm credits with a tax professional.

Questions Worth Asking

What size system are you proposing, and what will it produce each year?
Is this quote cash, loan, lease or PPA — and what's the total cost over the term?
Who handles the permit and the utility interconnection?
What happens to the panels if I need a new roof?
What's covered by the workmanship warranty versus the panel warranty?

Solar Guides

All guides

Costs & incentives

Solar FAQs

One Simple Request. Compare Your Options.

Tell us about your project and see what's available where you live.