In 2024, solar panels are more accessible and cost-effective than ever before, thanks to advancements in technology and widespread adoption of this alternative energy resource. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the average cost to install solar power has dropped by more than 60% over the past decade, and it has become one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world. Yes, that’s right! It is quite easy to install and use.
The average cost of a residential solar system in 2024 is about $2.50 to $3.00 per watt, which means a typical 6 kW system would cost between $15,000 and $18,000 before applying tax credits or incentives. However, with the 30% federal solar tax credit (now extended through 2032), the cost drops to around $10,500 to $12,600. Additionally, many states offer additional rebates and incentives, which further reduce installation costs.
In regions with high electricity rates, such as California or New York, solar panel installations can pay for themselves in as little as 5 to 7 years. Many households save this way upwards of $1,000 to $1,500 annually on electricity bills. Even in states with lower electricity costs, the average payback period remains under 10 years, and with utility rates expected to rise, the long-term financial benefits are becoming even clearer.
Have you been thinking about solar panels for a while? It’s a big decision – and could either be a costly mistake or a great investment – so you’re right to carefully consider all the pros and cons before you take the plunge.
With reasonable costs and an increasing number of favorable incentives, you are faced with an unprecedented opportunity to not only reduce your carbon footprint but also secure long-term financial savings. Now is the time to evaluate whether solar is the right investment for your home in 2024.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider before you decide to ‘go solar’.
Is it worth it to use solar panels for home?
When deciding whether solar panels are a worthwhile investment for your home, you should consider some practical factors to be sure that the system will deliver both the financial and environmental benefits you expect from the system.
Here is the practical outlook and questions you need to ask.
How much energy does your household use?
Solar PV systems are ideally suited for homes that use a lot of power, because the savings quickly outweigh the initial investment.
If you use a lot of electricity during the daytime, you can benefit directly by using the power generated by your panels – especially on those hot, sunny days when you are running the air conditioner! Conversely, if there’s normally no-one home during the day, you will benefit less… unless you also invest in a battery storage system, so you can use the stored power during the hours of darkness.
Be aware, though, that in some areas, it can be better not to use the power your solar PV panels generate, as you will actually be paid more for every kilowatt that you export to the power grid.
Check what’s on offer in your country or state to see what incentives and payments you might receive.
Another factor to consider is the price of electricity where you live. If you are lucky enough to have cheap electricity rates, you’ll save less money by installing solar panels and it will take longer to see a return on your investment. Of course, it’s still a great idea to go solar, but the decision will be more about reducing your environmental footprint and living sustainably than about saving money.
Start by looking at your current electricity bills. If you are spending a significant amount each month—say $100 to $200 or more—solar panels might make sense. The more you spend on electricity, the quicker solar will pay for itself.
For example, if your annual electricity cost is around $2,000, a typical solar panel system could cut that by 50 to 70% and actually save you $1,000 to $1,400 per year. If you live in an area with high electricity rates, this will help you recover your investment faster.
What are solar costs in your area?
The average cost of a residential solar system in 2024 is between $15,000 and $18,000 before tax credits. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, that brings the price down to around $10,500 to $12,600. If your state offers additional rebates or incentives, that cost could drop even further.
Compare these upfront costs to your potential savings on electricity over time. In many cases, the system will pay for itself in 6 to 10 years. After this time period, all the savings go directly into your pocket.
How long will you stay in your home?
If you are planning to stay in your home for at least 6 to 10 years, then the investment is likely worth it. Solar panels are designed to last at least 25 to 30 years, so even if you move after a decade, you will still enjoy the savings for most of that time.
If you think you will move within a couple of years, it might not be the best time to invest, unless you know it will increase your home’s resale value (which studies suggest it can).
What’s your home like?
Not all homes are ideal for solar. Does your roof get a lot of sunlight, or is it shaded by trees or neighboring buildings? A south-facing roof that gets good daylight is ideal. If your roof is heavily shaded, the efficiency of the system could drop by up to 25% and make your payback period longer.
If your roof isn’t well-suited, you can look into ground-mounted systems as an alternative, but these could increase the installation cost.
How do you pay for your solar system?
If you can afford to pay for your solar panels outright, you will get the best return on investment. Solar loans are a good alternative if you can’t pay upfront, but keep in mind that interest on the loan can reduce your savings.
Leasing solar panels is an option, but the long-term benefits are lower since you won’t own the system or get the full savings.
How much sun you house gets?
Although it’s important, you shouldn’t worry too much about the actual sunshine your home receives – solar PV panels need daylight, but not necessarily direct sun.
There are a number of online tools to help you calculate how many hours of usable daylight your property gets each year. Local weather patterns can affect usable daylight hours, so make sure you use data for the closest city to your actual location to get accurate results.
Detailed information for the U.S. is on the website of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. For Europe you can find precise GIS maps on the official website of the European Union.
In the northern hemisphere, a roof that faces south, southeast or southwest will receive a good amount of daylight. Panel systems that adjust the tilt to track the position of the sun are more efficient, but also more costly. Most homeowners install fixed panels, so the angle of your roof should not be too steep or too shallow – try an online calculator to work out the optimum angle for your location.
If your roof is unsuitable for solar PV panels because it faces the wrong direction, is more than 20 percent shaded, or the available area is too small, you could consider ground-mounted panels instead.
How much can solar panels save you on energy bills?
Honestly? Solar panels will save you most likely between $500 and $2,000 annually on electricity bills. After the system pays for itself in 6 to 10 years, you will enjoy free or highly reduced electricity for the remaining lifespan of the panels.
Where is the catch, you ask? Well, the amount you save depends on a variety of factors such as electricity rates in your area, incentives available, and your household’s energy consumption. Let’s have a look at each point in a more detail, you may be able to get some good estimate based on this information:
Electricity rates in your area:
In areas where electricity rates are high (e.g., California, New York), solar panels can pay for themselves faster—sometimes in as little as 5 to 7 years. With average electricity rates in California at $0.25 per kWh, and a solar system generating around 7,500 kWh annually, homeowners could save over $1,875 per year.
On the other hand, in states like Louisiana or Texas where rates are lower ($0.09 to $0.12 per kWh). The savings will be less and you will need a longer payback period of up to 12 years.
Solar energy incentives:
The federal solar tax credit in the U.S. offers 30% off installation costs through 2032. Additionally, some states offer rebates that can reduce costs by an additional $1,000 to $2,000. In combination with local incentives, you can save anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 on installation. Not bad, right?
Programs like net metering are also great help. If you have it available, you can sell excess electricity back to the grid and further increase savings. In states with full retail net metering, you will receive credit for each kilowatt-hour exported at the same rate you would pay for power from the utility.
Energy consumption and battery storage:
If you use a lot of electricity during the day, solar panels can cover over 50% of your electricity needs and potentially save you anywhere from $800 to $1,500 every year. If combined with battery storage, the savings can be even higher, as it reduces the need to pull electricity from the grid at night.
Are solar panels really cost-effective in 2024?
Yes, solar panels are cost-effective in 2024 and years to come. The thing is that whether they are cost-effective for you depends closely on your situation also described in the previous paragraphs.
From the general perspective, let’s have a look at what are some of the key arguments for us making this statement, and why are solar panels cost-effective in most areas and situations?
#1 Solar panel costs have dropped significantly over the years
Solar panel costs have been decreasing over the past decade due to a combination of factors. As global demand surged, manufacturers were able to produce panels on a much larger scale. Countries like China, a leader in solar manufacturing, have played a major role in reducing prices.
At the same time, advancements in photovoltaic technology have made photovoltaic solar panels more efficient. Manufacturers can use fewer materials for their production while still increasing energy output. The cost of essential raw materials, such as silicon, has also decreased thanks to improved production methods. All these factors together have resulted in a 60% drop in solar panel prices.
The cost to install solar panels this year is around $2.50 to $3.50 per watt. This means that a typical residential system of 6 kW would cost between $15,000 and $18,000 before tax incentives.
The 30% federal tax credit lowers that cost to $10,500 to $12,600. In states with additional rebates, the price could drop further, meaning you might be looking at a system cost of around $8,000 to $10,000.
#2 Electricity prices are rising
Electricity prices are rising across the United States. Many regions see annual increases of 2 to 3% or even more in some cases. One of the main drivers is the rising cost of fuel, especially natural gas, which powers a large portion of United States electricity generation. When natural gas prices fluctuate, utility companies pass those higher costs on to consumers.
Additionally, aging infrastructure is another factor. Power grids in many parts of the U.S. are outdated and require investment for maintenance and repairs. These costs are often covered by increasing electricity rates.
On top of that, the shift toward renewable energy also comes with upfront costs for building new infrastructure like wind farms, solar plants, and battery storage systems. While these investments lead to lower energy costs in the long term, they add to current electricity prices.
Climate change is also playing a role, with extreme weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts causing damage to power grids and disrupting energy production. This results in higher costs to restore services and improve resilience.
#3 Availability of favorable incentives and tax credits
The 30% federal tax credit is a saving that brings down the initial installation cost of solar energy. Some states and municipalities also offer extra rebates or net metering programs that allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid. In states with full retail net metering, this incentive makes solar energy highly favorable.
Many states and utilities also offer cash rebates for installing solar panels. These rebates are typically applied directly after the system is installed. The value can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on where you live. For example, states like New York, New Jersey, and California have had rebate programs that offer homeowners anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more to encourage solar adoption. Good news? These rebates can be stacked on top of the federal tax credit.
In addition to the federal tax credit, some states offer their own solar tax credits. For instance, South Carolina provides a 25% state tax credit for solar installations, which can be combined with the federal 30% credit, allowing homeowners to recover 55% of their installation costs through tax savings. Other states like Utah and New Mexico also offer state tax credits that further offset installation expenses.
In some areas, utility companies offer incentives directly to customers who install solar. These can include performance-based incentives (PBIs), where homeowners are paid a certain amount for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity their system generates. States like Massachusetts have programs like SMART, which pays homeowners based on their solar production.
By stacking federal tax credits with state rebates, tax exemptions, and utility incentives, homeowners make solar more financially attractive. You can review all available incentives in the Database for State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency.
#4 Battery storage adds to savings and is better quality than before
Adding a battery storage system like the Tesla Powerwall makes solar panels more cost-effective because it allows you to store excess energy generated during the day and use it at night or during peak hours when electricity rates are higher. Without a battery, any excess energy your panels produce during the day is often sent back to the grid, and in many areas, the compensation you receive for that energy may be less than the rate you pay for power from the grid.
A battery system solves this by enabling you to maximize your solar energy use and reduces or even eliminates the need to draw expensive electricity from the grid during high-demand periods. This is especially important in areas with time-of-use (TOU) pricing, where electricity rates fluctuate throughout the day with peak in the late afternoon and evening.
With a battery, you can store solar energy produced when rates are low and use it when rates are high.
Additionally, a battery provides energy independence by offering backup power during outages, which can be crucial in regions with unreliable grids or frequent extreme weather events.
What are the solar energy costs in 2024?
The cost of installing a solar PV system will depend on where you live, the size of the system (number of panels), the complexity of the installation, and the type of panel and manufacturer you choose. In 2024, the average cost is measured in dollars per watt. On average, you can expect to pay around $2.50 to $3.50 per watt, meaning a typical 6 kW system (which is common for most households) will cost you between $15,000 to $18,000 before any incentives are applied.
To break it down further, the final cost will be influenced by several factors. Larger systems cost more upfront but can generate more electricity, saving you more money over time. Installation costs also vary based on your location, with labor costs, local regulations, and market conditions differing across states. Additionally, the condition of your roof may affect the total cost; if repairs or adjustments are needed, that could increase your installation expenses.
Federal tax credit
One key element that makes solar more affordable is the 30% federal solar tax credit, available through 2032. This reduces the total cost of your solar installation by 30%, bringing down the price of a $15,000 system to $10,500, or an $18,000 system to $12,600.
Financing options
How you choose to finance your solar system will also affect the overall cost. Paying for the system upfront is the most cost-effective option, as it eliminates any interest costs. If that’s not feasible, solar loans are a good alternative, though it’s important to calculate the interest on loan repayments.
High interest rates can sometimes eat into your energy savings. Leasing plans are also available, but the long-term benefits tend to be lower since you won’t own the system and won’t fully capitalize on the savings.
Battery storage costs
If you are interested in maximizing your savings, a battery storage system like the Tesla Powerwall might be worth considering. With battery you will be able to store excess energy for use during peak hours or when electricity rates are higher.
However, adding a battery system typically increases the upfront cost by $10,000 to $15,000. Battery storage is especially useful if you live in an area with frequent power outages or if your utility company charges high peak-time rates.
A piece of practical advice: always get at least three quotes from local installers before making your choice. Once you have firm prices, you can compare the upfront costs against the potential savings and calculate your return on investment.
How to calculate your solar return on investment?
We thought that this section belongs here, so that you can make all the calculations needed and get a clear picture about that solar investment you are thinking about.
Calculating your solar panel return on investment (ROI) involves a few steps. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Calculate the total cost of your solar system
The total cost includes the price of the solar panels, installation fees, and any additional equipment like inverters or battery storage. You may already have these numbers from your quotes.
Here is our example:
Cost of a 6 kW solar system: $15,000.
Federal tax credit (30%): -$4,500.
State incentives (if applicable): -$1,000.
Net upfront cost: $9,500.
Step 2: Estimate your annual energy savings
The savings come from how much less you will be paying for electricity once your solar system is operational. This depends on:
- How much electricity your system will produce.
- The cost of electricity in your area.
Example: A 6 kW system in a sunny area (e.g., California) might generate about 7,500 kWh per year.
If you pay $0.25 per kWh for electricity, that’s 7,500 kWh x $0.25 = $1,875 in annual savings.
In less sunny regions or places with lower electricity rates, your savings might be smaller. For instance, in Texas with $0.12 per kWh, the same system would save $900 per year.
Step 3: Calculate the payback period
The payback period tells you how long it will take to recover the initial cost of your solar system through your electricity savings. To calculate this:
Formula:
Payback Period = Total Cost / Annual Savings
Example of using the previous numbers:
$9,500 (net cost) / $1,875 (annual savings) = 5.1 years.
In Texas, where savings are lower: $9,500 / $900 = 10.5 years.
This tells you how many years it will take to break even. After that, your savings are effectively profit.
Step 4: Calculate the ROI over the system’s lifetime
Once you know your payback period, you can calculate the total return on investment over the life of the system, which is on average 25 years.
Formula:
Lifetime ROI = (Total Lifetime Savings – Total Cost) / Total Cost
Example:
In California, where annual savings are $1,875, over 25 years you would save $46,875.
Subtract the system cost ($9,500) from the lifetime savings:
$46,875 – $9,500 = $37,375 total profit.
The ROI:
$37,375 / $9,500 = 393% ROI.
In Texas, where annual savings are $900, the total savings over 25 years would be $22,500.
Subtract the system cost:
$22,500 – $9,500 = $13,000.
The ROI:
$13,000 / $9,500 = 136% ROI.
Step 5: Adjust for financing costs (if applicable)
If you are using a solar loan or lease instead of paying for the system upfront, factor in the interest rates or monthly payments to see how they affect your payback period and total ROI.
Example:
If your monthly loan payment is $150 and you save $1,875 per year, your net savings will be lower, and your payback period longer.
Why are my solar panels not saving me money?
If your solar panels aren’t saving you money as expected, there could be several practical reasons for this. Let’s look at some common issues that could be affecting your savings:
System size doesn’t match your energy usage
One of the most common reasons solar panels don’t save as much money as anticipated is that the system isn’t sized correctly for your household’s energy consumption. If your system is too small, it may not generate enough electricity to meet your needs, forcing you to continue buying power from the grid.
Check your energy bills to see how much power your panels are generating versus how much you are still using from the grid. You may need to adjust your energy usage or expand your system if possible.
Poor sunlight exposure
Solar panels rely on sunlight, and shading from trees, nearby buildings, or roof orientation can significantly reduce their efficiency. Even if the panels are installed correctly, factors like seasonal changes (winter months) or dust and debris covering the panels can impact performance.
Clean your panels regularly if dust or debris buildup is common. If shading is unavoidable, consider trimming trees or installing more panels in an unshaded area.
High energy usage during non-solar hours
If you use a lot of electricity at night or during cloudy days, you may still be pulling power from the grid. Solar panels work best when energy consumption matches peak sunlight hours. Without a battery storage system, energy used outside of daylight hours will still come from your utility company.
Adjust your energy usage habits to better align with daylight hours. Alternatively, consider installing a battery system to store excess energy for use during the night or on cloudy days.
Low utility rates or lack of net metering
In areas with low electricity rates, the financial benefit of solar panels might be smaller, extending the time it takes to see a return on investment. Additionally, if your area doesn’t have net metering (where you can sell excess electricity back to the grid), you might not be maximizing your savings potential.
Review your local utility rates and net metering policies. If you are in an area without net metering, excess energy produced by your panels could go to waste. If your rates are low, it might take longer to recoup the costs of your solar system.
High financing costs
If you financed your solar installation with a loan or lease, the interest or monthly payments could be wiping out the savings you are generating from your panels. Leasing solar panels often offers lower upfront costs, but the long-term savings are typically much smaller because you don’t own the system.
Review the terms of your loan or lease agreement. If interest rates or payments are high, refinancing could help reduce monthly costs. Also, consider switching to a loan where you own the system to capture more savings over time.
System maintenance issues
If your solar panels or inverter aren’t working properly, they may not be generating as much energy as they should. Panels generally require little maintenance, but equipment failure or reduced efficiency over time can occur.
Check your inverter to ensure the system is working properly. It should indicate how much energy your system is producing. If the output seems low, contact your installer to inspect the system for faults or damage.
Why now is a great time to think about solar power?
Thanks to better technology and mass-market production, the price of solar panels is lower than ever. The cost of leading Chinese-manufactured solar panels has fallen by up to 70 percent since 2010, and there are now some great deals available.
In many countries and states, there are subsidies, tax credits or feed-in tariff payments available to make solar installations more cost-effective for homeowners. However, most schemes have a planned phase-out and will not last forever, so if the numbers add up for you it’s best to take advantage of them while you can.
Although solar PV panels are not right for everyone, most households can expect to save money in the long term. Electricity prices will only continue to rise, while the price of sunlight remains the same – zero!
If you have a suitable roof in a reasonably sunny location, it’s likely that a solar PV installation will cut your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.
Calculate your potential savings today and you could start generating energy from your own solar PV panels sooner than you think!
