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We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
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The federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners buying solar with cash or a loan now pay the full price — no 30% credit to subtract. Here are the real, verified costs across 9 states and 4 system sizes, plus the one remaining path to federal savings before it closes July 4, 2026.
National Average
$2.58/W
10 kW = ~$25,800
Federal Credit (25D)
$0
Expired Dec 31, 2025
Section 48 Lease/PPA
30% ITC
Until July 4, 2026
Solar costs $2.53–$3.66/W in 2026 depending on state and system size. With no federal credit for cash/loan, the only path to federal savings is a lease/PPA (Section 48) — and that deadline is July 4, 2026.
Many popular solar cost websites — including Angi, HomeGuide, and some EnergySage pages — still show prices "after 30% federal tax credit." That credit expired December 31, 2025. If you see a solar cost estimate that subtracts 30% for a federal credit, it is wrong for any homeowner buying with cash or a loan in 2026. The costs on this page reflect real 2026 pricing with $0 federal credit for homeowner purchases.
These are full installed costs across NuWatt's 9-state service area using Hyundai 440W panels (entry tier). No federal credit subtracted — because there is none for homeowner purchases.
11–12 panels
$16,200
avg across 9 states
Range: $14,400–$18,300
Small home or low usage. Covers 400–600 kWh/month.
18–19 panels
$23,900
avg across 9 states
Range: $22,600–$25,300
Average US home. Covers 650–900 kWh/month.
22–23 panels
$28,100
avg across 9 states
Range: $25,300–$31,600
Larger home or full offset. Covers 800–1,200 kWh/month.
34–35 panels
$42,500
avg across 9 states
Range: $39,800–$46,200
Large home + EV + heat pump. Covers 1,200–1,800 kWh/month.
Sorted from cheapest to most expensive. All costs are pre-state-incentive and assume $0 federal tax credit (25D expired).
Costs shown are NuWatt Hyundai 440W (entry tier) pricing. Premium panels (Silfab, REC) add $0.07–$0.26/W. Payback and savings assume current electricity rates with 3.5% annual escalation.
While homeowners can no longer claim the residential ITC (25D), the commercial ITC (Section 48/48E) is still available at 30% for third-party system owners. Through a solar lease or PPA, the financing company that owns the system claims Section 48 and passes savings to you through lower monthly payments.
This is not a loophole — it is how the law works. The system owner (a financing company, not the installer) claims the credit. You benefit through reduced monthly costs, often resulting in Day 1 savings compared to your current electricity bill.
This window closes July 4, 2026. After that, no federal solar incentive exists for anyone — homeowner or business.
10 kW in MA = $30,600 out of pocket
10 kW in MA = ~$0/mo down, ~$120/mo payment
No lease/PPA advantage. Full price only.
Eight factors determine what you will actually pay. Understanding these helps you evaluate any quote — from NuWatt or anyone else.
Labor costs, permitting fees, and utility interconnection requirements vary significantly. Texas is cheapest ($2.53/W), New Hampshire most expensive ($3.66/W).
Larger systems have lower per-watt costs due to fixed costs (permits, design) being spread across more panels. A 15 kW system costs ~$0.30/W less per watt than a 5 kW system.
Hyundai 440W (entry, $2.85/W avg), Silfab 440W (American-made FEOC, $2.92/W avg), or REC 460W (premium, $3.11/W avg). FEOC panels required for some lease/PPA structures.
Microinverters (Enphase) cost more than string inverters (SolarEdge) but offer panel-level optimization and better shade handling.
Cash = full price, no credit. Loan = interest adds 15-30% over life. Lease/PPA = $0 down, lower payment with Section 48 savings (until July 2026).
Multiple planes, steep pitch, tile roof, or structural work add $0.10–$0.50/W. Simple south-facing comp shingle roofs are cheapest.
Adding battery backup ($8,500–$12,500) increases total cost but enables demand response income ($225–$300/kW/yr in MA/RI) and backup power.
Projects starting construction before July 4, 2026 can access Section 48 via lease/PPA. After that date, this incentive is gone permanently.
With the federal credit gone, state programs are the primary way to reduce your net cost. These vary significantly — some states save you thousands, others offer almost nothing.
Understanding what you are paying for helps you evaluate whether a quote is fair. Here is how a typical $28,000 (10 kW) system breaks down.
$7,800 of $28,000 system
$3,400 of $28,000 system
$2,800 of $28,000 system
$5,600 of $28,000 system
$3,400 of $28,000 system
$5,000 of $28,000 system
See how many years until your system pays for itself — with $0 federal credit factored in.
Get a personalized quote for your address in 60 seconds. Cash, loan, and lease/PPA options.
Expose hidden costs inside low-APR solar loans before you sign.
State-by-state analysis of solar economics in the post-ITC market.
Why July 4, 2026 matters for solar leases and PPAs.
Cash vs lease comparison after the residential ITC expired.
Get a personalized quote with your real costs, state incentives, and lease/PPA options — including Section 48 access before July 2026.