How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2025

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2025? A Complete Guide to Solar Savings

Curious about how much do solar panels cost in 2025? With over 7% of U.S. homes powered by solar, installing solar panels and battery storage can save you $1,000–$3,500 a year, boost your home’s value by 4–6.8% ($15,000–$27,200 for a $400,000 home), and keep your lights on during outages. Whether you’re eyeing big names like Tesla and Sunrun or hunting for trusted local installers, this guide dives into solar panel costs, financing options, and how to get the best deal. Ready to save? Use EnergySage to get 3–5 free quotes from vetted local pros and cut costs by up to 20% ($2,000–$5,000).

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2025?

The cost of solar panel installation depends on system size, equipment, location, and financing. Here’s a breakdown for a 7.2 kW system (average U.S. household size, covering 70–100% of energy needs), based on EnergySage, CNET, and Forbes Home data:

  • Purchase Cost (Before Incentives): $18,720–$27,360 ($2.60–$3.80/W). Includes panels, inverter, mounting, and installation.
  • Battery Cost: $4,500–$14,500 for 5–13.5 kWh batteries (e.g., Sonnen: $4,500–$9,000; Tesla Powerwall 3: $11,500–$14,500).
  • Total Purchase Cost: $23,220–$41,860 (system + battery).
  • PPA/Lease Cost: $0 down, $50–$150/month ($0.11–$0.19/kWh, 10–30% below utility rates like $0.33/kWh in CA).
  • After Incentives: The Federal Solar Tax Credit saves 30% ($5,616–$12,427) on purchases. State rebates (e.g., CA’s SGIP, $150/kWh) can cut costs further—check DSIRE.

Savings: Expect $1,000–$3,500/year, with lifetime savings of $31,000–$100,000 over 25 years. An X post (@SelfPsyc, July 2025) highlights a $14/month utility bill in San Diego with Sunrun’s PPA.

Factors Affecting Cost:

  • System Size: 5–10 kW systems cost $13,958–$38,080, depending on energy use (7,000–12,000 kWh/year).
  • Equipment: High-efficiency panels (Qcells, 20–22%) cost more than budget options (16–18%). Batteries like Tesla Powerwall add $11,500+.
  • Location: Costs are higher in CA, NY ($3.00–$3.80/W) than TX, FL ($2.60–$3.20/W) due to labor and permits.
  • Financing: PPAs/leases have $0 upfront but lower long-term savings than cash or loans.

Top 5 Solar Companies for Affordable Installation in 2025

To get the best solar panel cost, choose a trusted installer. Below are five of the most popular U.S. solar companies, known for heavy advertising and reliable solar panel and battery installation. Prices are for a 7.2 kW system with battery storage.

1. Palmetto Solar

  • Website: Palmetto
  • Customer Rating: 4.8/5 (ConsumerAffairs, CNET, 4,694,011 reviews)
  • States Available: 25 states (CA, TX, FL, NY, PA, IL, etc.)
  • Best Offer: Palmetto Power PPA—$0 down, $0.11–$0.16/kWh (10–30% below utility rates). Includes Sonnen battery (5–10 kWh).
  • Price: PPA: $50–$130/month; Purchase: $18,720–$25,200 + $4,500–$9,000 battery. Saves $1,000–$2,500/year.
  • Why They’re Trusted: CNET’s #1 pick for 2025, Palmetto uses Qcells panels (21% efficiency) and offers transparent pricing. Timothy F. (BBB, January 2025) says, “Best decision for my wallet and home value.”
  • Drawbacks: Monitoring costs $29/month extra; permitting delays (2–4 weeks).

2. Sunrun

  • Website: Sunrun
  • Customer Rating: 4.5/5 (ConsumerAffairs, This Old House, 1,000+ reviews)
  • States Available: 20+ states (CA, TX, NY, MA, NJ, FL, etc.), Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico
  • Best Offer: BrightSave Monthly PPA—$0 down, $0.12–$0.18/kWh (e.g., $0.17/kWh vs. $0.34/kWh in CA). Includes Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem Brightbox (10–13.5 kWh).
  • Price: PPA: $50–$150/month; Purchase: $19,656–$26,424 + $11,500–$14,500 battery. Saves ~$210/month in CA.
  • Why They’re Trusted: Largest U.S. installer with over 1 million installs. Qcells panels and 24/7 monitoring boost savings. An X post (@SelfPsyc, July 2025) raves about low bills.
  • Drawbacks: PPA escalator clauses (1–3%); slower support for purchases.

3. Tesla

  • Website: Tesla
  • Customer Rating: 4.2/5 (EcoWatch, ConsumerAffairs)
  • States Available: All 50 states (via third-party installers)
  • Best Offer: Price Match Guarantee—Matches competitor quotes for panels and Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh, 90% efficiency). Includes Tesla app.
  • Price: $18,000–$25,200 ($2.50–$3.50/W) + $11,500–$14,500 Powerwall. Saves $1,000–$3,000/year.
  • Why They’re Trusted: Tesla’s sleek panels and Powerwall offer outage protection and affordability. EcoWatch (2025) praises their design.
  • Drawbacks: Third-party installers can lead to spotty service (BBB, 2025); no PPAs.

4. ADT Solar

  • Website: ADT Solar
  • Customer Rating: 4.4/5 (Google Reviews, BBB)
  • States Available: 22 states (CA, TX, FL, AZ, NV, etc.)
  • Best Offer: PowerGuard Purchase Bundle—Price match guarantee, Qcells panels, Tesla Powerwall, and low-APR loans (4–8%).
  • Price: PPA: $0.12–$0.17/kWh ($50–$140/month); Purchase: $19,440–$26,640 + $11,500–$14,500 battery.
  • Why They’re Trusted: ADT’s security brand ensures fast installs (3–4 weeks) and reliable systems.
  • Drawbacks: Limited states; some report pushy sales (BBB, 2025).

5. Freedom Solar Power

  • Website: Freedom Solar
  • Customer Rating: 4.6/5 (ConsumerAffairs, NerdWallet)
  • States Available: 6 states (TX, CO, FL, NC, VA, UT)
  • Best Offer: 0% APR Loan—No-interest loans for purchases with Mission Solar panels and Tesla Powerwall. PPA: $0.13–$0.18/kWh.
  • Price: PPA: $60–$150/month; Purchase: $20,160–$27,360 + $11,500–$14,500 battery.
  • Why They’re Trusted: NerdWallet loves their 25-year workmanship warranty and in-house installs.
  • Drawbacks: Only in six states; California licensing issues (2025).

Price and Offer Comparison Table

Company Best Offer PPA Rate Purchase Cost (7.2 kW + Battery) Battery States Customer Rating
Palmetto Solar Palmetto Power PPA $0.11–$0.16/kWh $23,220–$34,200 $4,500–$9,000 25 4.8/5
Sunrun BrightSave Monthly PPA $0.12–$0.18/kWh $31,156–$40,924 $11,500–$14,500 20+ 4.5/5
Tesla Price Match Guarantee N/A $29,500–$39,700 $11,500–$14,500 50 4.2/5
ADT Solar PowerGuard Purchase Bundle $0.12–$0.17/kWh $30,940–$41,140 $11,500–$14,500 22 4.4/5
Freedom Solar 0% APR Loan $0.13–$0.18/kWh $31,660–$41,860 $11,500–$14,500 6 4.6/5

Notes:

  • PPA monthly costs: $50–$150 (7,000–12,000 kWh/year).
  • Purchase costs include 7.2 kW system + battery, before tax credit.
  • Savings: $1,000–$3,500/year, based on state rates ($0.11–$0.33/kWh).
  • Check local availability via EnergySage.

How to Get the Best Solar Panel Deal

To minimize solar panel costs and maximize solar energy savings, follow these steps:

  1. Compare Quotes: Get 3–5 quotes via EnergySage to save 10–20% ($2,000–$5,000). Local installers often beat national brands.
  2. Choose Affordable Financing: PPAs (Palmetto, Sunrun) or 0% APR loans (Freedom Solar) eliminate upfront costs. Cash purchases save more over 25 years.
  3. Opt for Value Equipment: High-efficiency panels (Qcells, 20–22%) and smaller batteries (Sonnen, 5–10 kWh) save $5,000–$10,000 vs. premium options like Tesla Powerwall.
  4. Tap Incentives: The Federal Solar Tax Credit saves 30% ($5,616–$12,427). State rebates (e.g., CA’s SGIP, NY’s 25% credit) cut costs—check DSIRE.
  5. Verify NABCEP Certification: Ensures quality work. All listed companies use certified teams.
  6. Avoid Scams: Skip “free solar” offers or pushy sales (e.g., Momentum Solar’s BBB complaints, 2025). An X post (@SolarWatchTX, June 2025) warns of Texas scams promising “government-paid solar.”
  7. Go Local for Savings: Local installers offer 5–10% lower costs ($1,000–$2,500) and faster service (30–60 days) than big brands.

Benefits of Solar Panels and Battery Storage

  • Save Big: Cut bills by $1,000–$3,500/year, with $31,000–$100,000 lifetime savings.
  • Boost Home Value: Adds 4–6.8% ($15,000–$27,200 for a $400,000 home), per Redfin (2025).
  • Stay Powered: Batteries (5–13.5 kWh) run essentials for 12–48 hours during outages.
  • Eco-Friendly: Reduces ~8,000 lbs of CO2 yearly, like planting 120 trees.

FAQs About Solar Panel Costs in 2025

How much do solar panels cost?

Purchase: $18,720–$27,360 (7.2 kW); $23,220–$41,860 with battery. PPA: $50–$150/month ($0.11–$0.19/kWh). Palmetto offers the lowest rates.

How much can I save with solar panels?

Save $1,000–$3,500/year, depending on state rates ($0.11–$0.33/kWh). Lifetime savings: $31,000–$100,000.

Which solar company is the cheapest?

Palmetto Solar (4.8/5, CNET) leads with $0.11–$0.16/kWh PPAs. Tesla’s price matching is best for purchases.

Are Tesla and Sunrun affordable?

Tesla’s $18,000–$25,200 systems are budget-friendly for buyers but lack PPAs. Sunrun’s $0-down PPAs save upfront but have escalator clauses.

How do I find trusted solar installers near me?

Use EnergySage for quotes from NABCEP-certified local installers. Check BBB or SolarReviews for feedback.

Wrap-Up: Save Big with Affordable Solar Panels in 2025

So, how much do solar panels cost in 2025? A 7.2 kW system runs $18,720–$27,360, or $23,220–$41,860 with a battery, but PPAs from Palmetto Solar and Sunrun start at $50–$150/month with $0 down. Top companies like Palmetto, Sunrun, Tesla, ADT Solar, and Freedom Solar Power make solar panel and battery installation affordable, boosting your home’s value by 4–6.8% ($15,000–$27,200) and saving $1,000–$3,500/year. Local installers often offer better deals and service. Use EnergySage to compare quotes and DSIRE for rebates. Choose a NABCEP-certified installer to avoid scams and power your home with solar energy savings in 2025!