How much does a 4.5 kW solar system cost?

For many households in the United States, a 4.5 kW solar system is the right size to cut electricity costs significantly. 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 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 the smartest way to shop for solar.

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 the total cost for a 4.5 kW 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 analyze the price range quoted to solar shoppers 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 in the table below represent 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, additional solar rebates and incentives from the state government, local government, or utilities can reduce your upfront costs even further. Some states also have a market for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), meaning 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 can save 20 percent simply by shopping around for the best solar option for their homes.

How much does a 4.5 kW solar system cost in my state?

While these numbers are a good starting point, remember that many factors determine the cost of a solar energy system. More efficient equipment or special accommodations for your roof are just two factors that can impact system price. If you see an offer from a solar company 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 in detail.

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 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 wise 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory tool, to develop these estimates.

Solar electricity output of a 4.5 kW solar panel system in U.S. cities

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, making comparing equipment options, financing offers, and solar company reviews easy. When you compare multiple solar quotes, you can feel confident that you're making the smartest investment possible for your home.