System size guide
How much does a 7 kW solar system cost?
A 7 kW residential system — about 17 × 425-watt panels — costs roughly $17,500–$23,450 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 9,800 kWh per year in typical US conditions, worth roughly $1,454 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.
7 kW system cost by state
| State | 7 kW cost | Est. annual production | Est. payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $16,100–$21,350 | 9,800 kWh | 12–17 yrs |
| Alaska | $20,300–$27,300 | 6,650 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| Arizona | $16,450–$21,700 | 12,040 kWh | 10–14 yrs |
| Arkansas | $16,800–$22,050 | 9,520 kWh | 16–22 yrs |
| California | $17,850–$23,450 | 10,570 kWh | 7–9 yrs |
| Colorado | $17,850–$23,100 | 10,430 kWh | 13–17 yrs |
| Connecticut | $19,600–$25,200 | 8,540 kWh | 10–12 yrs |
| Delaware | $18,200–$23,800 | 9,240 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| Florida | $16,450–$21,700 | 10,360 kWh | 13–17 yrs |
| Georgia | $16,450–$21,700 | 9,800 kWh | 15–19 yrs |
| Hawaii | $20,300–$27,300 | 11,060 kWh | 5–7 yrs |
| Idaho | $17,150–$22,400 | 9,660 kWh | 20–26 yrs |
| Illinois | $18,200–$23,800 | 8,890 kWh | 16–20 yrs |
| Indiana | $17,150–$22,400 | 8,960 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| Iowa | $17,500–$22,750 | 9,100 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Kansas | $17,150–$22,400 | 10,150 kWh | 15–19 yrs |
| Kentucky | $16,800–$22,050 | 9,100 kWh | 17–23 yrs |
| Louisiana | $16,450–$21,700 | 9,660 kWh | 17–23 yrs |
| Maine | $19,600–$25,200 | 8,330 kWh | 11–14 yrs |
| Maryland | $18,200–$23,800 | 9,100 kWh | 13–18 yrs |
| Massachusetts | $19,600–$25,200 | 8,120 kWh | 10–13 yrs |
| Michigan | $17,850–$23,450 | 8,120 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| Minnesota | $18,200–$23,800 | 8,750 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Mississippi | $16,450–$21,700 | 9,660 kWh | 15–19 yrs |
| Missouri | $16,800–$22,050 | 9,450 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Montana | $17,850–$23,450 | 9,310 kWh | 19–25 yrs |
| Nebraska | $16,800–$22,050 | 9,660 kWh | 18–23 yrs |
| Nevada | $16,800–$22,050 | 11,690 kWh | 12–15 yrs |
| New Hampshire | $19,600–$25,200 | 8,260 kWh | 10–13 yrs |
| New Jersey | $18,550–$24,150 | 8,820 kWh | 13–17 yrs |
| New Mexico | $16,800–$22,050 | 11,900 kWh | 11–15 yrs |
| New York | $19,250–$24,850 | 8,260 kWh | 11–15 yrs |
| North Carolina | $16,800–$22,050 | 9,660 kWh | 16–21 yrs |
| North Dakota | $17,500–$23,100 | 9,240 kWh | 21–28 yrs |
| Ohio | $17,150–$22,400 | 8,400 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| Oklahoma | $16,450–$21,700 | 10,290 kWh | 16–21 yrs |
| Oregon | $18,200–$23,800 | 8,120 kWh | 19–25 yrs |
| Pennsylvania | $17,500–$23,100 | 8,540 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| Rhode Island | $19,600–$25,200 | 8,610 kWh | 10–13 yrs |
| South Carolina | $16,800–$22,050 | 9,800 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| South Dakota | $17,150–$22,750 | 9,590 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Tennessee | $16,800–$22,050 | 9,380 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Texas | $16,450–$21,350 | 10,605 kWh | 12–15 yrs |
| Utah | $16,800–$22,050 | 10,150 kWh | 17–22 yrs |
| Vermont | $19,600–$25,200 | 8,050 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| Virginia | $17,500–$23,100 | 9,310 kWh | 16–22 yrs |
| Washington | $18,200–$23,800 | 7,350 kWh | 25–33 yrs |
| Washington, D.C. | $18,900–$24,850 | 9,100 kWh | 14–18 yrs |
| West Virginia | $17,150–$22,750 | 8,750 kWh | 17–23 yrs |
| Wisconsin | $17,850–$23,450 | 8,540 kWh | 15–20 yrs |
| Wyoming | $17,500–$23,100 | 9,940 kWh | 18–24 yrs |
Assumptions last reviewed September 2026. Broad estimates before incentives — not quotes. See methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 7 kW solar system cost installed?
At a national assumed range of $2.50–$3.35 per watt, a 7 kW system costs roughly $17,500–$23,450 before incentives. State markets range meaningfully in both directions — see the table on this page.
How many panels is a 7 kW system?
About 17 panels at a typical 425 watts each. Higher-wattage panels reduce the count; smaller panels increase it.
How much electricity does a 7 kW system produce?
Around 9,800 kWh per year at a typical US production factor of 1,400 kWh per installed kW — enough to offset roughly a $150/month electric bill at average rates. Sunnier states produce 10–25% more, cloudier states less.
Is there a federal tax credit for a 7 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 7 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.