6kW solar panel systems: How much do they cost?

If you've been looking into going solar, you've probably at some point seen quotes for a 6 kW solar system. 6 kW solar systems are one of the most popular system sizes in the US because, in most places, they will produce about the right amount of electricity to meet an average household's daily electrical needs.

Solar leases & PPAs have made going solar accessible for virtually anyone with a roof, but what if you're considering purchasing a system? Since you'll probably be spending your own money, you'll want to be extra selective about the installer who does the job and the components you use.

This article investigates these questions: 1) How much does a 6 kW solar system cost, 2) how much electricity will a 6 kW system produce, and 3) how do you know you're getting the best deal?

As of January 2022, the average cost of solar in the U.S. is $2.77 per watt ($16,620 for a 6-kilowatt system). That means that the total cost for a 6 kW solar system would be $12,299 after the federal solar tax credit discount (not factoring in any additional state rebates or incentives).

EnergySage has access to pricing data from our network of pre-screened installation companies participating in our Solar Marketplace. The table below represents a rough approximation of the price range on quotes in various states before factoring in the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

Keep in mind that you may qualify for additional rebates and incentives. Try our free Instant Estimate tool to get more precise numbers.

The main takeaway from the table below is this: If you see prices significantly higher than these, ask questions. There could be a good reason to pay more, but if that's the case, you should know why and understand how the offer delivers better value.

How much does a 6 kW solar system cost in your state?

Solar system performance depends on several factors, including the quality of the parts used in the system and the angle and orientation of the panels themselves.

However, the primary determining factor is the amount of sunlight that your area receives: For example, all things being equal, a 6 kW solar system in San Diego, California, will produce about 20% more electricity annually than a system in the Northeast US.

Table 2 below shows average daily, monthly, and annual solar energy production numbers for a 6 kW solar system in various US cities. As you can see, systems located in sunnier cities produce more electricity than less sunny cities. These figures and other back-of-envelope calculations may help you determine how much money you save on your power bill.

Daily output of a 6 kW solar panel system in U.S. cities

Three Tips for Solar Shoppers

1. Homeowners who get multiple quotes save 10% or more

As with any big-ticket purchase, shopping for a solar panel installation takes a lot of research and consideration, including a thorough review of the companies in your area. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recommended that consumers compare as many solar options as possible to avoid paying inflated prices offered by the large installers in the solar industry.

To find the smaller contractors that typically offer lower prices, you'll need to use an installer network like EnergySage. When you register your property on our Solar Marketplace, you can receive free quotes from vetted installers local to you; homeowners who get three or more sections can expect to save $5,000 to $10,000 on their solar panel installation.

2. The biggest installers typically don't offer the best price

The bigger isn't always better mantra is one of the main reasons we strongly encourage homeowners to consider all their solar options, not just the brands large enough to pay for the most advertising. A recent report by the U.S. government found that large installers are $2,000 to $5,000 more expensive than small solar companies. If you have offers from some of the big installers in solar, compare those bids with quotes from local installers to ensure you don't overpay for solar.

3. Comparing all your equipment options is just as important

National-scale installers don't just offer higher prices – they also tend to have fewer solar equipment options, which can significantly impact your system's electricity production. Collecting a diverse array of solar bids allows you to compare costs and savings based on the different equipment packages available to you.

There are multiple variables to consider when seeking out the best solar panels. While some panels will have higher efficiency ratings than others, investing in top-of-the-line solar equipment doesn't always result in higher savings. The only way to find your property's "sweet spot" is to evaluate quotes with varying equipment and financing offers.

For any homeowner in the early stage of shopping for solar that would like a ballpark estimate for an installation, try our Solar Calculator, which offers upfront cost and long-term savings estimates based on your location and roof type. Check out our quote comparison platform for those looking to get quotes from local contractors today.