How much does it cost to install a 7.5 kW solar panel system?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

If you consider going off-grid with solar energy or have a home with above-average energy needs and want to lower your monthly costs, a 7.5 kW solar system can be a good investment. Solar systems of this size can easily power the average home in a moderately sunny climate, with battery backup ensuring you can rely on your own energy even after the sun goes down. If you have a very large home with above-average energy needs, a system of this size can help reduce your reliance on the grid, lowering your monthly energy bills.

The national average cost of a 7.5 kW system is $18,750 to $26,250, with most homeowners paying around $22,500 for a 7.5 kW system with roof-mounted monocrystalline panels and microinverters. This project’s low cost is $15,000 for a 7.5 kW system using roof-mounted polycrystalline panels and a string inverter. The high cost is $37,500 for a 7.5 kW system with roof-mounted monocrystalline panels, microinverters, and 1 battery with a battery inverter.

7.5 kW Solar System Cost Calculator

7.5 kW systems are large enough to meet the needs of average homes, even in areas without high levels of sunlight. These systems can work with batteries to run your home on solar power, even at night in sunny or moderately sunny areas. If you add additional backup systems and batteries, you could also use a system of this size to go off-grid.

Systems of this size come in several levels, providing different efficiencies, results, and costs. Below are the average costs for installing a 7.5 kW system of varying levels of quality and cost.

Many components create a 7.5 kW solar system. Low-cost systems may use thin film or polycrystalline panels with string inverters. Mid-cost systems likely use monocrystalline panels and microinverters or string inverters with power optimizers. High-cost systems use high-quality monocrystalline panels with microinverters, battery backup, and a battery inverter.

What Can I Run on a 7.5 kW Solar System?

A 7.5 kW system is large enough to run the average home in less-than-average sunlight. This system could power a larger-than-average home in moderate-to-high sunlight areas or provide nearly constant energy for the average home when coupled with a battery. If you use several batteries with a backup system, you could go off-grid with this system in a moderately sunny climate.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Top manufacturers. Many good brands and manufacturers provide a system of this size. These include Tesla, Solaria, CertainTeed, and SunPower.
• Batteries. Systems of this size can use batteries to help offset your grid dependence. With one battery, you can use a system of this size at night. With multiple batteries, you may go off-grid.
• Inverters. Your system needs inverters to run. You may only need one inverter with a string inverter system, while you need 1 per panel with microinverters, increasing costs.
• Accreditation. Ensure your installer is accredited by the NABCEP, which offers board certification for installers.
• Maintenance. Solar panel systems do not require much maintenance. Clean and inspect them regularly to ensure they work at peak efficiency.
• Mounting. Solar panel systems of this size may be mounted on the roof, but you may need to mount them on the ground if you have a smaller home, increasing costs.
• Net metering. Net metering is available in many states. This allows you to transfer additional solar energy you do not use to the grid. In exchange, you receive a credit on your next electric bill, which can help to further reduce your energy costs.