Solar Photovoltaic System Cost Benchmarks
Unlike most PV cost studies that report values solely in dollars per watt, SETO''s PV system cost benchmark reports values using intrinsic units for each component. For example, the cost of a
As of publishing, the average cost per watt is $2.84. Most solar companies set the price according to the solar system's wattage. A solar installation's “cost per watt” is a little like the “price per square foot” when you buy a house. It helps compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes.
Price Per Watt (PPW) is a standardized way to compare solar installation costs across different system sizes. By dividing the total system cost by the total wattage, you get a metric that helps evaluate the cost efficiency of different solar proposals. Solar installation costs vary significantly by region due to several factors:
Commercial solar installations are a great way for companies to lower energy costs. Generally, installing solar panels on businesses costs a bit less per watt because the systems are larger, but the total costs will be higher. In 2025, the average cost for commercial solar panels is just about $2.00 per watt.
Solar panels themselves represent only 12-18% of total system cost, typically $0.30-$0.50 per watt. Premium monocrystalline panels offer 20-22% efficiency but cost more than standard panels with 18-20% efficiency. Panel type significantly impacts both cost and performance:
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