How much does it cost to install an 8kW solar panel system?

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

If you have a larger home in an area with less than the national average number of days of sunlight each year, an 8kW solar system can lower your grid dependency. Combined with a battery, a system this size can give you power at night or when the sun is not as strong. A system of this size can be used in an off-grid scenario with several batteries.

The national average cost for installing an 8 kW solar system is $20,000 to $28,000, with most homeowners spending $24,000 for an 8 kW solar system with roof-mounted monocrystalline panels and microinverters. This project’s low cost is $16,000 for an 8 kW system with roof-mounted polycrystalline panels and 2 string inverters. The high cost is $40,000 for an 8 kW system with ground-mounted high-quality monocrystalline panels, battery backup, microinverters, and battery inverter.

8 kW Solar System Cost Calculator

There are several ways to build an 8 kW solar system. Multiple components may get used, influencing the system’s quality and costs. Low-cost systems may use polycrystalline panels and string inverters or thin film panels if you are trying to save money with a partially shaded roof. Standard systems use monocrystalline panels and string inverters with power optimizers or microinverters. High-quality systems use a higher-quality monocrystalline panel, microinverters, battery backup, and battery inverters. Below are the average costs for installing an 8 kW system of varying qualities.

At this size, an 8 kW system can provide the energy needs for homes of varying sizes and in varying sunlight. Larger homes and homes with higher-than-average energy needs can use systems of this size in moderate sunlight, while average homes can use systems of this size in lower sunlight. These systems can provide consistent energy with batteries in most areas, even at night.

8 kW Solar Inverter Price

All solar systems require inverters. The inverter type dictates several things, including where it is installed, how many inverters you need, and costs. String inverters group solar panels into strings, which tie to a single inverter. An 8 kW system may use 2 string inverters, at a cost of $1,000 to $2,000 each or $2,000 to $4,000 total. Or, you may use 20 to 32 power optimizers with your 2 string inverters for $2,500 to $4,800. Microinverters install directly on each panel, so you need 1 per panel, increasing total costs. If you use microinverters, you need 20 to 32 for $3,000 to $6,880. If you use a battery with this system, you also need a battery inverter to convert the energy from the battery into something your home can use. Each battery inverter costs $2,000 to $2,300.

What Can I Run on an 8 kW Solar System?

An 8 kW solar system is large enough to power an average home’s needs in below-average amounts of sunlight. Or, you can power all the needs of a large home in moderate sunlight. With battery backup, a system this large can be used off-grid or provide energy at night and in inclement weather on homes still connected to the grid. Systems of this size can easily meet the needs of most homes with above-average energy needs. Most average homes need a 6 kW system or smaller, so an 8 kW system is more than enough to provide for most homes.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

8 kW Off-Grid Solar System

You need a full complement of batteries, battery inverters, panels, and standard inverters for an off-grid 8kW solar system. You also need a backup energy source. This has an average cost of $55,000 to $75,000 fully installed on a ground-mounted installation near the home.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Top manufacturers. Many reputable companies and branches produce solar panel systems, including Tesla, CertainTeed, and Solaria.
• Batteries. Systems of this size can use batteries if you want the system to run at night or in inclement weather. Adding batteries increases costs.
• Accreditation. Ensure your installer is accredited by the NABCEP, which offers board certification for installers.
• Maintenance. Most solar systems need little maintenance. Clean and inspect them regularly to ensure they work properly.
• Mounting. Systems of this size may become too large for some houses. You may need to mount them on the ground in these situations, increasing costs.
• Net metering. Many states allow net metering, enabling you to transfer additional solar power you produce to the grid. In exchange, you receive a credit on your next energy bill, reducing your monthly energy costs.