Quick Answer
A single solar panel costs between $120-$315 for the equipment only, or $1,000-$1,200 when professionally installed. The final price depends on panel type, wattage, brand quality, and whether you’re buying individually or as part of a larger system.
Solar Panel Cost Breakdown by Component
Understanding individual solar panel costs requires breaking down the pricing into two main categories: equipment-only costs and fully installed costs per panel.
Panel Only (Equipment Cost)
When purchasing just the solar panel equipment, prices vary significantly based on technology type:
- Monocrystalline panels: $0.30-$0.50 per watt ($120-$200 for a 400W panel)
- Polycrystalline panels: $0.25 per watt ($100-$160 for a 400W panel)
- Thin-film panels: $0.20-$0.40 per watt ($80-$160 for a 400W panel)
These prices reflect wholesale costs when purchased through professional installers or in bulk quantities. Retail prices at stores like Home Depot typically run $0.80-$1.40 per watt, making a 400W panel cost $320-$560.
Installed Cost Per Panel
Professional installation dramatically increases the per-panel cost due to labor, permits, and supporting equipment:
- Roof-mounted system: Approximately $1,000 per panel installed
- Ground-mounted system: Approximately $1,200 per panel installed
This installed cost includes the panel, inverter portion, mounting hardware, electrical components, labor, permits, and inspection fees distributed across the entire system.
Factors Affecting Individual Solar Panel Costs
Panel Specifications
Several technical factors significantly impact individual panel pricing:
Wattage Rating
Higher wattage panels cost more but provide better value per watt:
- 300W panels: $150-$420 (equipment only)
- 400W panels: $200-$560 (equipment only)
- 500W+ panels: $250-$700 (equipment only)
Efficiency Ratings
Panel efficiency directly correlates with price:
- 15-17% efficiency: Budget tier, lowest cost per panel
- 18-20% efficiency: Mid-range pricing, most popular
- 21-22% efficiency: Premium pricing, highest cost per panel
Brand & Quality Factors
Solar panel manufacturers are categorized into tiers that affect pricing:
Tier 1 Manufacturers
Premium brands like LG, Panasonic, and SunPower command higher prices:
- 25-30 year performance warranties
- Lower degradation rates (0.25-0.35% annually)
- Higher efficiency ratings
- Price premium of 20-40% over Tier 2 panels
Tier 2 Manufacturers
Quality brands like Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, and Trina Solar offer:
- 20-25 year performance warranties
- Standard degradation rates (0.5-0.7% annually)
- Good efficiency ratings
- Balanced price-to-performance ratio
Purchase Method Impact
How you buy individual panels significantly affects pricing:
Bulk System Purchase vs. Individual Panels
Buying panels as part of a complete system offers substantial savings:
- System purchase: $0.30-$0.50 per watt
- Individual retail purchase: $0.80-$1.40 per watt
- Savings difference: 40-65% lower cost in bulk
Purchase Channel Comparison
- Professional installers: Lowest equipment costs due to wholesale relationships
- Online wholesalers: Moderate pricing, requires electrical knowledge
- Retail stores: Highest pricing but most accessible
Real-World Cost Examples & Case Studies
Cost Comparison: Single Panel vs. System Purchase
Here’s a real-world comparison showing the dramatic cost difference:
Scenario 1: Buying One 400W Panel at Home Depot
- Panel cost: $560
- Micro-inverter: $200
- Mounting hardware: $75
- DIY installation supplies: $50
- Total: $885 for 400W ($2.21/watt)
Scenario 2: Same Panel in 20-Panel System
- System cost: $20,000 (8kW system)
- Cost per panel: $1,000 installed
- Cost per watt: $2.50 installed
- Equipment-only cost per panel: ~$200 ($0.50/watt)
Regional Price Variations
Individual panel costs vary by region due to local market conditions:
- California: Lower equipment costs due to high competition
- Northeast: Higher installation costs due to complex roof designs
- Southeast: Moderate pricing with growing market adoption
- Midwest: Higher equipment costs due to limited installer networks
When Buying Individual Panels Makes Sense
System Expansion Scenarios
Adding panels to existing systems is a common reason for individual purchases:
- Increased energy needs (electric vehicle, pool, etc.)
- Available roof space after initial installation
- Energy usage monitoring reveals undersized system
Cost consideration: Expansion typically costs $1,200-$1,500 per additional panel due to permitting and inspection requirements.
Replacement Panel Needs
Individual panels may be needed for replacements:
- Storm damage or physical impact
- Manufacturing defects outside warranty coverage
- Upgrading older, less efficient panels
Small-Scale Applications
Individual panels work well for specific applications:
- RV solar systems: 1-4 panels typical
- Shed or workshop power: 1-2 panels sufficient
- Boat or marine applications: 1-3 panels common
- Emergency backup power: 1-2 panels with battery storage
Hidden Costs & Additional Components
Essential Supporting Equipment
A solar panel alone cannot generate usable electricity. Required additional components include:
Inverter Costs
- Micro-inverters: $200-$300 per panel
- Power optimizers: $100-$150 per panel (plus string inverter)
- String inverter portion: $800-$1,200 allocated per panel in larger systems
Mounting Hardware
- Roof mounting: $50-$100 per panel
- Ground mounting: $100-$200 per panel
- Specialized mounting: $150-$300 per panel (tile roofs, metal roofs)
Electrical Components
- DC and AC disconnect switches: $50-$100 per panel equivalent
- Monitoring equipment: $25-$50 per panel
- Wiring and conduit: $30-$75 per panel
Permits and Professional Services
- Building permits: $100-$500 (distributed across system)
- Electrical permits: $50-$200 (distributed across system)
- Inspection fees: $100-$300 (distributed across system)
- Interconnection fees: $100-$500 (distributed across system)
Cost-Saving Strategies
Bulk Purchasing Advantages
The most effective way to reduce per-panel costs is through bulk purchasing:
- Installer wholesale pricing saves 40-65%
- Shared permitting and inspection costs
- Reduced labor costs per panel
- Better financing options available
For homeowners considering solar, exploring solar panel financing options can make complete system purchases more affordable than buying individual panels.
Seasonal Pricing Patterns
Solar panel prices fluctuate throughout the year:
- Best prices: Late fall and winter months
- Highest prices: Spring and early summer
- Savings opportunity: 10-20% price difference between seasons
Federal and State Incentives Impact
Tax incentives significantly reduce effective costs:
- Federal solar tax credit: 30% of total system cost (potentially ending December 2025 due to proposed Congressional legislation)
- State rebates: Vary by location, typically $500-$2,000 per system
- Local utility incentives: Performance-based incentives or upfront rebates
Important: Most incentives apply only to complete systems, not individual panel purchases. For the latest information on federal incentives, see our federal solar tax credit update.
ROI & Payback Analysis for Single Panels
Energy Production Per Panel
A typical 400W solar panel produces:
- Annual production: 600-800 kWh (varies by location)
- 25-year production: 15,000-20,000 kWh
- Monthly average: 50-67 kWh
Savings Calculation Methodology
To calculate individual panel savings:
- Determine local electricity rate (average $0.17/kWh nationally)
- Calculate annual panel production for your area
- Multiply production by electricity rate
- Factor in annual rate increases (typically 3-5%)
Example calculation:
- 400W panel producing 700 kWh annually
- Local rate: $0.17/kWh
- Annual savings: $119
- 25-year savings: $4,500 (with 3% annual rate increases)
For a more detailed analysis of your potential savings, use our solar savings calculator to get personalized estimates based on your location and energy usage.
Payback Period for Individual Panels
Payback periods vary dramatically by purchase method:
- DIY individual panel: 8-12 years
- Professional individual installation: 12-18 years
- System installation: 6-10 years
Where to Buy Individual Solar Panels
Retail Options
- Home Depot: Limited selection, higher prices, easy returns
- Lowe’s: Similar to Home Depot, occasional sales
- Amazon: Wide selection, competitive pricing, shipping considerations
Online Wholesalers
- GoGreenSolar: DIY-friendly packages
- Wholesale Solar: Bulk pricing for smaller quantities
Local Solar Installers
Many installers sell individual panels for:
- System expansions
- Replacement needs
- Small DIY projects
Professional Installation vs. DIY Considerations
DIY Installation Challenges
- Electrical knowledge requirements
- Roof safety concerns
- Permit and inspection complexity
- Warranty implications
- Code compliance requirements
Professional Installation Benefits
- Warranty protection maintained
- Code compliance guaranteed
- Permit and inspection handling
- Safety assurance
- Performance optimization
For homeowners considering professional installation, residential solar panel installation services provide comprehensive solutions that include system design, permitting, installation, and ongoing support.
Future Cost Trends
Technology Improvements
Advancing solar technology continues to improve value:
- Higher efficiency panels at similar prices
- Improved durability and longer warranties
- Better low-light performance
Market Factors
Several factors may affect future individual panel costs:
- Manufacturing scale: Continued cost reductions expected
- Trade policies: Tariffs may increase costs
- Supply chain: Raw material costs fluctuate
- Demand patterns: High demand may increase prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install just one solar panel?
Yes, but it’s rarely cost-effective. A single panel produces minimal electricity (30-50 kWh monthly) while requiring the same permitting and inspection processes as larger systems.
Will one solar panel power my house?
No. The average home uses 900-1,000 kWh monthly, while one panel produces 50-67 kWh. You’d need 15-20 panels to significantly impact your electricity bill.
Is it cheaper to buy panels individually or in a system?
System purchases are dramatically cheaper—typically 40-65% less per panel due to wholesale pricing, shared installation costs, and bulk purchasing power.
Do individual panel purchases qualify for tax credits?
The federal solar tax credit requires a complete solar system installation. Individual panel purchases typically don’t qualify unless part of a larger qualifying system.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels last 25-30 years with warranties, but can continue producing electricity for 40+ years at reduced efficiency. Annual degradation rates are typically 0.25-0.7%.
Can I add panels to my existing system later?
Yes, but it requires additional permitting, inspection, and potentially inverter upgrades. Expansion costs typically run $1,200-$1,500 per additional panel.
Conclusion
Individual solar panel costs range from $120-$315 for equipment only, or $1,000-$1,200 when professionally installed. While buying single panels is possible, the economics strongly favor complete system purchases due to wholesale pricing, shared installation costs, and access to federal incentives.
For most homeowners, the best value comes from sizing a complete system to meet current and future energy needs. However, individual panels make sense for specific applications like RV systems, workshops, or system expansions.
Before purchasing individual panels, carefully consider the total cost of ownership, including necessary supporting equipment, installation complexity, and long-term maintenance requirements. The initial savings from buying fewer panels may be offset by higher per-watt costs and reduced efficiency benefits.