How much does it cost to install a 6.5 kW solar panel system?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

As energy costs rise, more people turn to solar energy to offset those costs. A solar panel system can reduce your grid dependency, allowing you to power your home with solar energy for some or most of the time. A 6.5 kW system has more than enough solar energy to power most homes, with some homes having enough energy to sell back to the grid in areas that allow net metering.

The average cost of installing a 6.5 kW system is $16,250 to $22,750, with most people paying around $19,500 for a 6.5 kW system using monocrystalline panels installed on the roof. This project’s low cost is $13,000 for a 6.5 kW system using polycrystalline panels installed on the roof. The high cost is $26,000 for a 6.5 kW system using bi-facial monocrystalline panels installed around the home’s perimeter with ground poles.

6.5 kW Solar System Cost Calculator

Many solar panels can construct a 6.5 kW system. The most common and standard is a monocrystalline panel. Low-cost panels may not be as efficient, meaning you need more of them, including polycrystalline and thin film panels. High-cost and high-quality systems can include different monocrystalline panels, including bifacial, which use solar cells on both sides, so you have higher costs but need fewer panels. Below are the average costs for a 6.5 kW solar panel system using panels of varying price and quality.

Many factors influence your system’s total cost. This includes the inverter type, with string inverters costing the least. It also includes where the panels are installed, with roof-mounted systems being the most cost-effective. Your state can also play a role in costs, with many states providing incentives.

What Can I Run on a 6.5 kW Solar System?

6.5 kW is enough to run many homes. In some cases, you may have energy to sell back to the grid if net metering is available in your area. If you install a battery with this system, you may be able to run many of your home’s systems at night. However, a system of this size may be too small if your home has above-average energy needs or you plan to go off-grid. In this case, upgrading to a minimum of 7 kW may be necessary. The system type, sun exposure, and the energy you use determine whether this system is large enough for your home.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Top manufacturers. Many reputable companies produce solar panels, including Tesla, Solaria, CertainTeed, and SunPower.
• Batteries. You can add a battery to your solar panel system to offset energy costs at night or during times of low sun. Expect to pay a minimum of $10,000 for battery backup.
• Inverters. Inverters are necessary for your solar panel system to run. The inverter type can impact your final costs.
• Accreditation. Ensure your installer is accredited by the NABCEP, which offers board certification for installers.
• Maintenance. Solar panels are fairly low maintenance. They should be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure they work their best.
• Mounting. Solar panels can be mounted in several ways, with the roof being the most common. Other mounting systems increase project costs, including ground and tilting.
• Net metering. Many states allow net metering, allowing you to return some of your solar energy to the grid in exchange for credits on the grid energy you use. This can increase your savings on your electric bill.