3.5 kW solar systems (or 3,500 watts) are the average consumption size for smaller households. When you decide to invest in home solar panels, the cost to install the system on your roof is one of the biggest factors determining your long-term solar savings. Want to know the best way to ensure you’re getting a good deal? Compare your solar quotes with the prices that other solar shoppers paid for solar systems in your neighborhood. Learn more about the cost of 3.5 kW solar systems, how much electricity they can produce, and what the smartest way is to shop for solar.
How much does a 3.5kW solar system cost?
As of January 2022, the average cost of solar in the U.S. is $2.77 per watt ($9,695 for a 3.5 kilowatt system). That means that the total cost for a 3.5kW solar system would be $7,174 after the federal solar tax credit (not factoring in any additional state rebates or incentives).
3.5 kW solar panel system cost: what are average prices in your state?
Using data from the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, the largest comparison-shopping platform for homeowners looking to install a solar panel system, we analyzed the range of prices that solar shoppers were quoted for 3.5kW solar energy systems across the United States.
The prices that you see in the table below represent what you can expect to pay before the federal tax credit for solar has been deducted. Depending on where you live, there might be other solar rebates and incentives from the state government, local government, or your utility that can reduce your upfront costs even further. If there’s a market for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) in your state, you may also be able to sell the SRECs your system generates for extra income.
Even if you live in an area that doesn’t offer any additional solar incentives or rebates, reviewing offers from multiple solar companies guarantee you get the best price for your solar panel system. Homeowners who compare solar offers on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace generally save 20 percent simply by shopping around for the best solar option for their home.
How much does a 3,500 watt solar system cost in my state?
| State | 3.5 kW solar system price range |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $7,245 – $9,065 |
| California | $8,400 – $10,430 |
| Colorado | $9,870 – $12,040 |
| Florida | $7,490 – $9,590 |
| Massachusetts | $9,625 – $12,145 |
| Maryland | $8,785 – $11,655 |
| New Jersey | $8,400 – $11,130 |
| New York | $9,485 – $12,635 |
| Texas | $7,945 – $10,535 |
| Washington | $8,085 – $10,395 |
While these numbers are a good starting point, remember that what you pay for your solar energy system depends on a lot of factors. If you see an offer from a solar company that is significantly higher or lower than the range for a 3.5kW solar system in your state, simply ask them for an explanation. More efficient equipment or special accommodations for your roof can impact system price, and a reputable solar installer will be able to explain their proposal to you in detail.
How much electricity will a smaller solar system produce?
Sunshine is the most important factor determining how much electricity your solar panels will produce. For example, if you install a 3.5kW solar panel system on your roof in Las Vegas, you’ll produce about 30 percent more electricity than if you installed the same system on a roof in Philadelphia. However, that doesn’t mean you have to live in Nevada for solar to be a good option for your home – solar is a smart investment wherever electricity rates are high.
In the table below, you’ll find estimated average electricity production numbers for 3kW solar energy systems in cities across the United States. As a comparison, the average U.S. household uses 893 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a month, a total of 10,715 kWh per year. We used PV Watts, a tool from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to develop these estimates.
Solar electricity output of 3.5 kW solar panel systems in major U.S. cities
| City | Average daily kWh | Average monthly kWh | Average annual kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | 14.2 | 432 | 5,185 |
| Boston, MA | 12.7 | 385 | 4,622 |
| Cleveland, OH | 11.7 | 354 | 4,251 |
| Denver, CO | 14.7 | 446 | 5,347 |
| Hartford, CT | 11.9 | 363 | 4,354 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 16.9 | 513 | 6,155 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 15.2 | 462 | 5,539 |
| Miami, FL | 14.0 | 427 | 5,118 |
| New York City | 12.2 | 372 | 4,459 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 12.5 | 380 | 4,558 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 16.6 | 504 | 6,051 |
| Seattle, WA | 10.4 | 318 | 3,812 |
Maximize your solar savings when you compare your options
Ready to get started? When you shop for solar through the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, you can review multiple offers from solar companies and find the best offer for your solar installation. The EnergySage Marketplace offers comprehensive, easy-to-understand comparison tables that make it easy to fully compare equipment options, financing offers, and solar company reviews. When you compare multiple solar quotes, you can feel confident that you’re making the smartest investment possible for your home.
