Solar panels in 2025 typically cost between $2 and $3 per watt installed, with an average cost around $2.75 to $2.84 per watt. For a typical American household requiring a 10-kilowatt system, the total cost before incentives is about $28,000 to $29,000, which can drop to around $20,000 after considering the federal solar tax credit. Smaller systems or DIY panels can cost between $200 to $350 per panel, roughly $0.80 to $1.40 per watt, but larger or commercial systems cost more accordingly. Prices vary by state and factors such as sunlight availability, roof condition, and local incentives also affect the overall expense.