What affects solar cost
The main factors are:
- System size in kilowatts (based on your electricity use)
- Panel and inverter quality
- Roof type, pitch, and complexity
- Whether you add battery storage (often $10,000 or more)
Incentives and payback
The federal tax credit covers 30 percent of the cost, and many states and utilities add rebates. Payback typically runs 7 to 12 years depending on local electricity rates, after which the power is largely free for the life of the system.