For many households in the United States, a 4.5 kW solar system is the right size to significantly cut electricity costs. Want to know the best way to ensure you’re getting the right price for your solar panel installation and maximizing your long-term savings? Compare your solar quotes with the prices that other solar shoppers paid for their 4.5 kW solar systems near you. Learn more about the cost of a 4.5 kW solar system, how much electricity your 4.5 kW system can produce, and what the smartest way is to shop for solar.
How much does a 4.5kW solar system cost?
As of January 2022, the average cost of solar in the U.S. is $2.77 per watt ($12,465 for a 4.5 kilowatt system). That means that the total cost for a 4.5kW solar system would be $9,224 after the federal solar tax credit (not factoring in any additional state rebates or incentives).
4.5 kW solar panel system cost: what are solar shoppers paying in your state?
We used data from the EnergySage Solar Marketplace to conduct an analysis of the range of prices that solar shoppers were quoted for 4.5 kW solar energy systems across the United States. On EnergySage, homeowners compare offers from solar installers to shop for the right home solar panel system at the right price.
The prices included in the table below are representative of what homeowners pay for a 4.5 kW solar energy system before the federal tax credit for solar has been deducted. In some parts of the United States, there are additional solar rebates and incentives from the state government, local government, or utilities that can reduce your upfront costs even further. Some states also have a market for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), which means that you earn additional income by selling the SRECs your system generates.
Even if you live in an area without additional solar incentives or rebates, you can ensure that you get the best price for your solar panel system by reviewing offers from multiple solar companies. 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 4.5kW solar system cost in my state?
| State | 4.5 kW solar system price range |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $9,315 – $11,655 |
| California | $10,800 – $13,410 |
| Colorado | $12,690 – $15,480 |
| Florida | $9,630 – $12,330 |
| Massachusetts | $12,375 – $15,615 |
| Maryland | $11,295 – $14,985 |
| New Jersey | $10,800 – $14,310 |
| New York | $12,195 – $16,245 |
| Texas | $10,215 – $13,545 |
| Washington | $10,395 – $13,365 |
While these numbers are a good starting point, remember that there are many factors that determine the cost of a solar energy system. More efficient equipment or special accommodations for your roof are just two of the factors that can impact system price. If you see an offer from a solar company that is significantly higher or lower than the range for a 4.5 kW solar system in your state, simply ask them for an explanation. Reputable solar installers will be able to walk you through their proposal to you in detail.
How much electricity will a 4.5 kW solar system produce?
It should come as no surprise that the amount of sunshine where you live is the most important factor determining how much electricity your solar panels actually produce. For example, if you install a 4.5 kW 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 4.5 kW 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 a 4.5 kW solar panel system in U.S. cities
| City | Average daily kWh | Average monthly kWh | Average annual kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | 18.3 | 556 | 6,667 |
| Boston, MA | 16.3 | 495 | 5,945 |
| Cleveland, OH | 15.0 | 455 | 5,464 |
| Denver, CO | 18.8 | 573 | 6,875 |
| Hartford, CT | 15.4 | 467 | 5,601 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 21.7 | 660 | 7,915 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 19.5 | 594 | 7,122 |
| Miami, FL | 18.0 | 548 | 6,581 |
| New York City | 15.7 | 478 | 5,734 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 16.1 | 488 | 5,861 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 21.3 | 648 | 7,778 |
| Seattle, WA | 13.4 | 409 | 4,902 |
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.
