This is a common question in this industry, and it can be tough to narrow down a specific dollar amount associated per panel on an installation. It would be like trying to answer the question of how much does a four-door car cost. Well, are you wanting a Kia or a Mercedes? You can see how much of a difference that would make as you analyze the options available.
Each system is unique
For example, how long would you like the warranty to be on the solar panels? Panel quality can put you anywhere between a cheap 100W panel that will not last exceptionally long to a 400W high-quality panel that will last you 25+ years. Will you be wanting a battery-ready system or just a grid-tied option? The pitch of your roof, the amount of stories on the home, and the way the panels are mounted will all impact the “cost” of each panel. There are also costs associated with office work pertaining to your interconnection agreement, permitting through the utility, structural engineering assessments, etc.
A general rule of thumb is that you would be spending anywhere between $800-$1,200 from a per panel standpoint.
Costs may vary
You can typically assume that the cost of a system will fall in a range of the mid-teens to the mid-twenties. However, as mentioned above, there is no cookie-cutter approach to the system so you will see varying costs depending on the features you have selected for each product. It is important to have a conversation with an energy consultant to evaluate your present and future needs for a system. Only then will you have a better understanding of the cost of the installation and thus, the cost per panel.
