5 kW solar system cost in 2026
A 5 kW solar system costs about $14,700 on average across the US before any incentives — that's roughly 13 400-watt panels at the national-average installed price of $3 per watt. It produces about 6,862 kWh a year and pays back in roughly 12.6 years.
A 5kW system by the numbers
National-average figures for a 5 kW system at $3/W and 4.7 peak sun hours per day.
| System size | 5 kW |
| Gross system cost | $14,700 |
| Installed price per watt | $3/W |
| Number of 400W panels | 13 |
| Estimated roof space | 228 sq ft |
| Annual energy produced | 6,862 kWh |
| Estimated annual savings | $1,167 |
| Estimated monthly savings | $97 |
| Federal tax credit (purchase) | Ended Dec 31, 2025 |
| 30% credit via lease/PPA | ~$4,410 value |
| Simple payback period | 12.6 years |
| 25-year net savings | $24,971 |
National-average modeled estimates, June 2026. Not a quote or financial advice — see methodology.
2026 incentives on a 5kW system
The 30% federal tax credit for solar purchases ended on December 31, 2025, so a cash or loan buy of a 5kW system no longer subtracts a federal credit. A lease or PPA can still capture a 30% credit — the third-party owner claims it and passes the benefit on through lower payments, worth about $4,410 on a system this size. State and local incentives vary; see solar incentives by state.
Is a 5kW system right for you?
A 5kW system suits a home using about 6,862 kWh per year (≈ 572 kWh per month). If your bills run higher — for example with electric heating, AC, or an EV — you'll likely want a larger system; if you use less, a smaller one will pay back faster. These are national-average numbers: your real production depends on local sun hours and your electricity rate. Check cost by state or run your exact figures with the savings calculator.
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