Solar cost per watt by state (2026)
Marketplace averages — only figures we verified; every other state honestly says in review
Dollars-per-watt is total price divided by system size — the number that survives every rebate and loan fee. ≈ $2.60/W is the 2026 national average; the table below is the verified slice of the market.
The verified 2026 averages
| Market | $/W | Source |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ≈ $2.60/W | (EnergySage, accessed 2026-08-08) |
| North Carolina | ≈ $2.34/W | EnergySage — accessed 2026-08-08 |
| Georgia | ≈ $2.49/W | EnergySage — accessed 2026-08-08 |
| Colorado | ≈ $2.65/W | EnergySage — accessed 2026-08-08 |
| Ohio | ≈ $2.71/W | EnergySage — accessed 2026-08-08 |
The rest of the states: we only publish figures we can verify, and the marketplace sources we presently use carry the extra state data. So your state launches into "varies by city and roof" until a verified figure lands — and every page above runs the payback estimator with your own bill/rate, which is the number that actually decides worth-it.
How to use the number
- Size is not the only variable — the equipment tier, roof complexity and installer's saturation move $/W ±0.30 or more from any single marketplace average.
- Always compare quotes at cash price before incentives; a loan with a dealer fee (15-35% added to principal) can make the 'cheaper' monthly payment the more expensive quote.
- The federal 30% credit is not on the table for most 2026 installs (IRS, credit ended Dec 31, 2025). Keep it out of the $/W comparison.
Run your town's reality: the scorecard compares your quotes on $/W against this, and every state guide runs the estimator with your own bill and rate.