Contractor Budget Kit
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SOLAR

Solar Project Cost Calculator

Rough out a preliminary solar project cost before professional design and a site assessment.

JOB INPUTS

Enter your numbers

Loading saved values

DC size in kilowatts

kW
DC size in kilowatts

Installed price per watt before storage

$
Installed price per watt before storage

Optional battery cost (0 to skip)

$
Optional battery cost (0 to skip)
Results update automatically
CALCULATED RESULTUSD
Preliminary project cost$32,200.00
Array size8,000.0 W
PV modules cost$23,200.00
Battery storage$9,000.00
Installed $/W$4.03/W
FORMULA USED8 kW × 1000 × $2.90 + $9,000.00 = $32,200.00

HOW TO USE IT

How to use the Solar Project Cost Calculator

  1. 1

    Enter the system size in kilowatts.

  2. 2

    Set the installed price per watt.

  3. 3

    Add an optional battery storage cost.

  4. 4

    Review the preliminary project cost and installed $/W.

THE MATH

Preliminary solar cost formula

Cost = system kW × 1,000 × price-per-watt + storage

The array cost comes from the system size in watts multiplied by the installed price per watt. Storage is added as its own line.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

An 8 kW system

An 8 kW array at $2.90 per watt equals $23,200. Adding $9,000 of battery storage gives a preliminary cost of $32,200.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price per watt?

For a rough estimate, installed residential solar commonly ranges from about $2.50 to $3.50 per watt before incentives. Confirm with local installers.

Does this include incentives?

No. Federal and local incentives, net metering and financing can reduce the net cost significantly.