System size guide
How much does a 6 kW solar system cost?
A 6 kW residential system — about 15 × 425-watt panels — costs roughly $15,000–$20,100 installed in 2026 at a national assumed range of $2.50–$3.35 per watt, before any state or utility incentives. It would produce around 8,400 kWh per year in typical US conditions, worth roughly $1,246 in first-year savings at average rates — a simple payback of about 12–16 years.
There is no federal tax credit in these figures: the Section 25D residential credit ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025.
6 kW system cost by state
| State | 6 kW cost | Est. annual production | Est. payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $13,800–$18,300 | 8,400 kWh | 12–17 yrs |
| Alaska | $17,400–$23,400 | 5,700 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| Arizona | $14,100–$18,600 | 10,320 kWh | 10–14 yrs |
| Arkansas | $14,400–$18,900 | 8,160 kWh | 16–22 yrs |
| California | $15,300–$20,100 | 9,060 kWh | 7–9 yrs |
| Colorado | $15,300–$19,800 | 8,940 kWh | 13–17 yrs |
| Connecticut | $16,800–$21,600 | 7,320 kWh | 10–12 yrs |
| Delaware | $15,600–$20,400 | 7,920 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| Florida | $14,100–$18,600 | 8,880 kWh | 13–17 yrs |
| Georgia | $14,100–$18,600 | 8,400 kWh | 15–19 yrs |
| Hawaii | $17,400–$23,400 | 9,480 kWh | 5–7 yrs |
| Idaho | $14,700–$19,200 | 8,280 kWh | 20–26 yrs |
| Illinois | $15,600–$20,400 | 7,620 kWh | 16–20 yrs |
| Indiana | $14,700–$19,200 | 7,680 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| Iowa | $15,000–$19,500 | 7,800 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Kansas | $14,700–$19,200 | 8,700 kWh | 15–19 yrs |
| Kentucky | $14,400–$18,900 | 7,800 kWh | 17–23 yrs |
| Louisiana | $14,100–$18,600 | 8,280 kWh | 17–23 yrs |
| Maine | $16,800–$21,600 | 7,140 kWh | 11–14 yrs |
| Maryland | $15,600–$20,400 | 7,800 kWh | 13–18 yrs |
| Massachusetts | $16,800–$21,600 | 6,960 kWh | 10–13 yrs |
| Michigan | $15,300–$20,100 | 6,960 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| Minnesota | $15,600–$20,400 | 7,500 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Mississippi | $14,100–$18,600 | 8,280 kWh | 15–19 yrs |
| Missouri | $14,400–$18,900 | 8,100 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Montana | $15,300–$20,100 | 7,980 kWh | 19–25 yrs |
| Nebraska | $14,400–$18,900 | 8,280 kWh | 18–23 yrs |
| Nevada | $14,400–$18,900 | 10,020 kWh | 12–15 yrs |
| New Hampshire | $16,800–$21,600 | 7,080 kWh | 10–13 yrs |
| New Jersey | $15,900–$20,700 | 7,560 kWh | 13–17 yrs |
| New Mexico | $14,400–$18,900 | 10,200 kWh | 11–15 yrs |
| New York | $16,500–$21,300 | 7,080 kWh | 11–15 yrs |
| North Carolina | $14,400–$18,900 | 8,280 kWh | 16–21 yrs |
| North Dakota | $15,000–$19,800 | 7,920 kWh | 21–28 yrs |
| Ohio | $14,700–$19,200 | 7,200 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| Oklahoma | $14,100–$18,600 | 8,820 kWh | 16–21 yrs |
| Oregon | $15,600–$20,400 | 6,960 kWh | 19–25 yrs |
| Pennsylvania | $15,000–$19,800 | 7,320 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| Rhode Island | $16,800–$21,600 | 7,380 kWh | 10–13 yrs |
| South Carolina | $14,400–$18,900 | 8,400 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| South Dakota | $14,700–$19,500 | 8,220 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Tennessee | $14,400–$18,900 | 8,040 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Texas | $14,100–$18,300 | 9,090 kWh | 12–15 yrs |
| Utah | $14,400–$18,900 | 8,700 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Vermont | $16,800–$21,600 | 6,900 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| Virginia | $15,000–$19,800 | 7,980 kWh | 16–22 yrs |
| Washington | $15,600–$20,400 | 6,300 kWh | 25–33 yrs |
| Washington, D.C. | $16,200–$21,300 | 7,800 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| West Virginia | $14,700–$19,500 | 7,500 kWh | 17–23 yrs |
| Wisconsin | $15,300–$20,100 | 7,320 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| Wyoming | $15,000–$19,800 | 8,520 kWh | 18–24 yrs |
Assumptions last reviewed September 2026. Broad estimates before incentives — not quotes. See methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 6 kW solar system cost installed?
At a national assumed range of $2.50–$3.35 per watt, a 6 kW system costs roughly $15,000–$20,100 before incentives. State markets range meaningfully in both directions — see the table on this page.
How many panels is a 6 kW system?
About 15 panels at a typical 425 watts each. Higher-wattage panels reduce the count; smaller panels increase it.
How much electricity does a 6 kW system produce?
Around 8,400 kWh per year at a typical US production factor of 1,400 kWh per installed kW — enough to offset roughly a $130/month electric bill at average rates. Sunnier states produce 10–25% more, cloudier states less.
Is there a federal tax credit for a 6 kW system in 2026?
No. The 30% federal residential clean energy credit (Section 25D) ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. Leased or PPA systems may still benefit indirectly through the commercial 48E credit through 2027, and some states offer their own incentives.
Is a 6 kW system the right size for my home?
Size should follow your actual usage, roof space, and your utility’s export rules — not a round number. Our calculator sizes a system from your monthly bill and location in about a minute, with no contact details required.