System-size data page
8 kW Solar System Cost (2026)
A 8 kW solar system costs roughly $20,000–$25,600 installed, cash, before incentives (median ≈ $22,400). Prices vary by state — see the table below. The federal residential tax credit is $0 for 2026 installations.
The federal residential solar tax credit (30% §25D) ended December 31, 2025.
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, systems placed in service on or after January 1, 2026 do not qualify for the residential credit. Systems installed and operational by December 31, 2025 can still be claimed at 30% on the 2025 return. Commercial and third-party-owned (lease/PPA) projects may qualify under §48E — see the federal incentives page.
Status verified 2026-08-21. Confirm your circumstances with a qualified tax professional.
Gross price (national)
$20,000–$25,600
cash, before incentives
Panels needed
18–20 panels (400–450 W)
~19–20 typical modules
Production
≈8,800–13,600 kWh/yr depending on state sun
depends on state sun factor
Typical use
The most commonly quoted residential size in the US (≈ full offset for an average home).
~90–110% offset of a typical US home; the "sweet spot" most installers design to.
8 kW cost by state
Gross installed cash price ranges (2026 estimates). Sorted cheapest first.
| State | Gross price range | ≈ Est. production/yr | Avg rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $17,200–$23,200 | 10,836 kWh | 15.23¢/kWh |
| Florida | $18,400–$23,600 | 11,201 kWh | 15.17¢/kWh |
| Texas | $18,880–$23,600 | 11,015 kWh | 16.44¢/kWh |
| California | $19,200–$26,400 | 10,643 kWh | 33.25¢/kWh |
| Nevada | $19,200–$23,600 | 10,506 kWh | 13.60¢/kWh |
| New Mexico | $19,200–$23,600 | 10,815 kWh | 14.12¢/kWh |
| Oklahoma | $19,200–$23,600 | 10,747 kWh | 13.38¢/kWh |
| Utah | $19,200–$23,600 | 10,506 kWh | 12.96¢/kWh |
| Georgia | $19,600–$24,000 | 10,919 kWh | 15.84¢/kWh |
| Louisiana | $19,600–$23,600 | 11,042 kWh | 14.15¢/kWh |
| South Carolina | $19,600–$24,000 | 10,864 kWh | 16.18¢/kWh |
| Alabama | $20,000–$24,000 | 10,925 kWh | 16.77¢/kWh |
| Arkansas | $20,000–$24,000 | 10,795 kWh | 14.36¢/kWh |
| Kansas | $20,000–$24,000 | 10,554 kWh | 15.13¢/kWh |
| Mississippi | $20,000–$24,000 | 10,932 kWh | 16.16¢/kWh |
| Kentucky | $20,400–$24,400 | 10,623 kWh | 14.98¢/kWh |
| Missouri | $20,400–$24,400 | 10,561 kWh | 13.68¢/kWh |
| Nebraska | $20,400–$24,400 | 10,361 kWh | 13.59¢/kWh |
| Ohio | $20,400–$24,400 | 10,437 kWh | 19.52¢/kWh |
| Tennessee | $20,400–$24,400 | 10,726 kWh | 14.47¢/kWh |
| West Virginia | $20,400–$24,800 | 10,547 kWh | 16.80¢/kWh |
| Colorado | $20,800–$24,800 | 10,526 kWh | 16.16¢/kWh |
| Idaho | $20,800–$25,200 | 10,189 kWh | 12.35¢/kWh |
| Indiana | $20,800–$24,800 | 10,458 kWh | 18.15¢/kWh |
| Iowa | $20,800–$25,200 | 10,327 kWh | 14.14¢/kWh |
| North Carolina | $20,800–$24,000 | 10,747 kWh | 15.09¢/kWh |
| Wisconsin | $20,800–$25,200 | 10,162 kWh | 19.74¢/kWh |
| Michigan | $21,200–$25,600 | 10,244 kWh | 22.01¢/kWh |
| Montana | $21,200–$25,600 | 10,004 kWh | 14.67¢/kWh |
| North Dakota | $21,200–$25,600 | 9,969 kWh | 13.61¢/kWh |
| Pennsylvania | $21,200–$25,200 | 10,396 kWh | 21.55¢/kWh |
| South Dakota | $21,200–$25,600 | 10,169 kWh | 15.73¢/kWh |
| Wyoming | $21,200–$25,600 | 10,265 kWh | 14.80¢/kWh |
| Illinois | $21,600–$25,600 | 10,458 kWh | 23.85¢/kWh |
| Minnesota | $21,600–$25,600 | 10,045 kWh | 16.95¢/kWh |
| Oregon | $21,600–$25,600 | 10,203 kWh | 16.27¢/kWh |
| Delaware | $22,000–$26,000 | 10,526 kWh | 19.38¢/kWh |
| Rhode Island | $22,000–$26,400 | 10,348 kWh | 29.46¢/kWh |
| Virginia | $22,000–$26,000 | 10,623 kWh | 17.61¢/kWh |
| Connecticut | $22,400–$26,800 | 10,354 kWh | 27.37¢/kWh |
| Maine | $22,400–$26,800 | 10,114 kWh | 28.63¢/kWh |
| Maryland | $22,400–$26,400 | 10,526 kWh | 21.77¢/kWh |
| Washington | $22,400–$26,400 | 9,976 kWh | 14.95¢/kWh |
| New Hampshire | $22,800–$27,200 | 10,217 kWh | 27.33¢/kWh |
| New Jersey | $22,800–$26,800 | 10,451 kWh | 23.27¢/kWh |
| New York | $22,800–$27,200 | 10,265 kWh | 29.93¢/kWh |
| Vermont | $22,800–$27,200 | 10,196 kWh | 24.89¢/kWh |
| Alaska | $23,200–$28,800 | 8,875 kWh | 28.23¢/kWh |
| District of Columbia | $23,200–$27,200 | 10,526 kWh | 25.40¢/kWh |
| Massachusetts | $23,200–$28,800 | 10,299 kWh | 28.82¢/kWh |
| Hawaii | $27,200–$32,000 | 11,682 kWh | 52.00¢/kWh |
Estimates compiled 2026-08 from marketplace/NREL data. Your actual quote depends on roof, equipment, utility and market — see the price calculator.
Is a 8 kW system right for you?
~90–110% offset of a typical US home; the "sweet spot" most installers design to.
Sources: state cost estimates (2026) · EIA rates May 2026 · NREL solar resource. Full methodology on the methodology page.