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Energy experts reveal the surprising reason US solar panel prices are at all-time lows: '[Solar] has never been more valuable for customers'

Homeowners have multiple options.

According to EnergySage's experts, solar panel prices in the United States now average $2.53 per watt, which is down from more than $7 per watt in the early aughts.

Photo Credit: iStock

Homeowners still on the fence about going solar might be convinced now that solar panel prices have dipped — and it's thanks to the people installing them. 

Investing in solar energy remains one of the best ways to lower heat-trapping pollution and stop wasting money on home electricity. Homeowners can save thousands of dollars with energy-efficient panels. 

According to EnergySage experts, solar panel prices in the United States now average $2.53 per watt, which is down from more than $7 per watt in the early aughts. Customers can explore EnergySage's free tools to get quick solar installation estimates and compare quotes. 

Homeowners still have an opportunity to take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit for solar installations, but they need to act soon. Many tax credits for solar panels and other home appliance upgrades are expiring at the end of the year. 


Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.

To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.

The Cool Down may receive a commission on signups made through links on this page, but we only promote partners we vet and believe in. For more cool tips like this one, check out our solutions marketplace here.

Either way, experts said the surprising reason solar panel prices are at an all-time low is that installers are dedicated to keeping them that way. An EnergySage survey found that many installers are streamlining non-equipment expenses like sales, overhead, and operations in order to keep prices competitive. 

"We know that we can get the cost of residential solar down closer to $2 a watt, and we have all this [electricity price] volatility while the [solar] product has never been more valuable for customers," Jigar Shah, former director of the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office, said, per EnergySage. 

The average homeowner can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations with EnergySage. There's also a helpful mapping tool that shows the average cost of a home solar panel system and other incentives depending on location. 

For those worried about the upfront investment, leasing solar panels is a great option to avoid high energy prices while still helping the planet. Palmetto's LightReach solar panel leasing program will install panels for no money down, and customers can lock in low energy rates. 

FROM OUR PARTNER

Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number

Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation.

To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.

Want to drive utility costs even lower? Homeowners can also link their solar panels with heat pumps and other electric appliances. Mitsubishi can help customers find the right installer and heat pump for their home at the right price. 

If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them?

Upfront costs 💰

Trouble with my HOA 🚩

Too much maintenance 🔧

An incompatible roof 🏠

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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