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How much does solar panel installation cost?

National price ranges for solar panel installation, the unit pricing contractors quote from, and what the same job costs across local markets.

Verified August 2026

Solar Panel Installation cost

$15,000 – $48,000

Most homeowners pay around $26,500 for solar panel installation, or $2.40–$3.80 per watt installed. Permit fees add $150–$500.

Price breakdown

Budget scope$15,000
Typical project$26,500
Premium / complex$48,000
per watt installed$2.40 – $3.80
Permit fees$150 – $500
Timeline1-3 days of installation, 6-14 weeks including permitting and utility interconnection

What drives the price

  • System size in kW DC
  • Panel and inverter selection (string versus microinverters)
  • Battery storage
  • Roof age, material and structural reinforcement
  • Federal tax credit and utility interconnection fees

Cost by city

Same scope, adjusted for local labor, material and permit pricing.

Solar cost in Naples$18,600 – $59,500 · +24%Solar cost in Miami$17,700 – $56,600 · +18%Solar cost in Fort Lauderdale$17,100 – $54,700 · +14%Solar cost in West Palm Beach$16,800 – $53,800 · +12%Solar cost in Fort Myers$16,400 – $52,300 · +9%Solar cost in Sarasota$16,200 – $51,800 · +8%Solar cost in Cape Coral$16,100 – $51,400 · +7%Solar cost in Venice$15,900 – $50,900 · +6%Solar cost in Bradenton$15,800 – $50,400 · +5%Solar cost in Tampa$15,600 – $49,900 · +4%Solar cost in St. Petersburg$15,500 – $49,400 · +3%Solar cost in Clearwater$15,300 – $49,000 · +2%Solar cost in Orlando$15,300 – $49,000 · +2%Solar cost in Port St. Lucie$15,300 – $49,000 · +2%Solar cost in St. Augustine$15,000 – $48,000 · 0%Solar cost in Port Charlotte$15,000 – $48,000 · 0%Solar cost in Brandon$15,000 – $48,000 · 0%Solar cost in Melbourne$14,900 – $47,500 · -1%Solar cost in Kissimmee$14,700 – $47,000 · -2%Solar cost in Daytona Beach$14,700 – $47,000 · -2%Solar cost in Jacksonville$14,400 – $46,100 · -4%Solar cost in Lakeland$14,300 – $45,600 · -5%Solar cost in Pensacola$14,300 – $45,600 · -5%Solar cost in Gainesville$14,100 – $45,100 · -6%Solar cost in Tallahassee$14,000 – $44,600 · -7%

Frequently asked questions

Do solar panels need a permit in Florida?

Yes. Solar requires a building permit with engineered attachment details and an electrical permit, plus an interconnection agreement with your utility before the system can be energized.

Should I replace my roof before installing solar?

If your roof has fewer than about 10 years of life left, replace it first. Removing and reinstalling an array later commonly costs $3,000-$7,000.

Sources

Sources & verification

Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.