How much does a 12 kW solar panel system cost in 2024?

If you have high electricity bills, installing a 12-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system in your home can significantly reduce your monthly costs. You want to get the right price for your solar panel installation to maximize your long-term solar savings. The best way to feel confident about your purchase: compare offers for 12 kW solar systems with the prices offered to other solar shoppers in your area. Find out more about how much a 12 kW solar system costs where you live, the amount of electricity you can expect your 12 kW system to produce, and the smartest way to shop for solar in EnergySage's guide to 12 kW solar panel systems.

As of January 2022, the average cost of solar in the U.S. is $2.77 per watt ($33,240 for a 12-kilowatt system). That means that the total cost for a 12kW solar system would be $24,598 after the 26% federal solar tax credit discount (not factoring in any additional state rebates or incentives).

We analyzed solar quotes from the EnergySage Solar Marketplace to understand the range of prices that solar shoppers are paying for 12 kW solar energy systems across the United States. Homeowners who use EnergySage shop for the right home solar panel system at the right price by comparing multiple offers from solar installers in their area.

In the table below, you'll find a range of prices homeowners have paid for a 12 kW solar energy system in different states. These prices indicate gross cost before the federal tax credit for solar has been deducted. In some parts of the United States, you may also be able to access solar rebates and incentives from the state government, local government, or utilities that can cut your out-of-pocket solar costs even further. Some states also have a market for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), which means you can earn additional income by selling the SRECs your system generates.

Even if you live in an area that does not offer additional solar incentives or rebates, reviewing offers from multiple solar companies will ensure you get the best price for your solar panel system. Homeowners who compare solar offers on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace generally save 20 percent simply by reviewing multiple solar options from different companies.

How much does a 12,000-watt solar system cost in my state?

These numbers are a point of reference for you as you start the solar shopping process for your home. However, many factors can affect the cost of a solar energy system. If you choose high-efficiency equipment or need special accommodations for a complicated roof, your system will cost more. If you receive a quote from a solar company that's significantly higher or lower than the range for a 12 kW solar system in your state, ask them for an explanation. A reputable solar installer will be able to walk you through their proposal in detail.

It should come as no surprise that the amount of sunshine where you live is the most important factor determining how much electricity your solar panels produce. If you install a 12 kW solar panel system on your roof in Phoenix, you'll produce about 25 percent more electricity than if you installed the same system in Boston. That doesn't mean you have to live in Arizona for solar to be a good option for your home – solar is a smart investment wherever electricity rates are high.

Below is a table with estimated average electricity production numbers for 12 kW solar energy systems in cities across the United States. As a comparison, the average U.S. household uses 893 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a month, a total of 10,715 kWh per year. We developed these estimates using PV Watts.

Solar electricity output of a 12 kW solar panel system in U.S. cities

Ready to get started? When you shop for solar through the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, you can review multiple offers from solar companies and find the best offer for your solar installation. The EnergySage Marketplace offers comprehensive, easy-to-understand comparison tables that make it easy to review all of your equipment options and financing offers, as well as solar company reviews. When you compare multiple solar quotes, you can feel confident that you're making the smartest investment possible for your home.