6kW solar panel systems can handle the electricity needs for most homes within the US.
As the cost of solar continues to decline, 6 kilowatt (kW) solar PV systems are becoming a more popular option for homeowners.
In many states, a 6kW PV system will be enough to power an entire house, but it depends on your location and energy needs. We will walk you through the cost, size, and practicality of a 6kW system before you decide to buy.
How much does an average 6kW solar system cost?
With the average cost of solar about $3.00 per watt as of August 2022, a 6kW solar system in the US will cost about $18,000. With the 30% federal tax credit, the solar system price drops down to about $12,000.
Depending on where you live, you can benefit from additional state or utility-based solar rebates and incentives, such as net metering, that may reduce the price even more.
The system design and parts can also change the price, like inverters and ground mount racking, among other things.
All of the above factors, in addition to how much sun an area gets and electricity rates, play into the different costs of installing solar. In the chart below, we break down what you can expect to pay around the country.
| State | Average cost of 6kW solar system before tax credit | Average cost of 6kW solar system after tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| California | $16,080 | $11,256 |
| Florida | $15,480 | $10,836 |
| Texas | $15,600 | $10,920 |
| North Carolina | $14,940 | $10,458 |
| Arizona | $15,840 | $11,088 |
| New Jersey | $16,620 | $11,634 |
| Massachusetts | $17,220 | $12,054 |
| Georgia | $13,980 | $9,786 |
| New York | $17,160 | $12,012 |
Can you finance a 6kW system?
Just because 6kW systems are becoming cheaper, that doesn’t mean that everyone can pay cash upfront to own one. Luckily, there are many financing options available.
If you qualify, a zero-down solar loan is a great way to finance your solar system.
In some states, you can opt for solar leases or solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) from solar companies. Solar loans and solar leases allow you to pay the full cost over time while still benefiting from solar savings. PPAs are a bit different - the solar company owns the solar panels on your roof, and you pay them a monthly payment for the solar energy the system produces.
Solar leases and solar PPAs have lower long-term utility bill savings than purchasing a system outright. Though financing solar panels will still deliver long-term electric bill savings, paying in full upfront is the best choice.
How many solar panels are in a 6kW solar power system?
A 6kW energy system has 19 solar panels.
Depending on the wattage of the solar panels you choose to go with, the actual number of solar panels for your 6kW system will vary. Typically, the wattage of solar panels ranges from a low of 350 watts to 400 watts.
For example, if you install 350-watt solar panels, you’ll need about 17 panels to make a 6kW system. But if you use more powerful 400-watt panels, you’ll only need 15 panels to reach a 6kW system size.
How much roof space do you need for a 6kW solar system?
A 6kW solar panel system will require about 265 square feet of space on your rooftop.
It’s important to note that the actual square footage required will depend on the wattage and the dimensions of the panels you install.
High-efficiency solar panels will create more energy, increasing actual power output, in a smaller area. That means if you do not have 265 square feet, higher efficiency panels can help you reach a 6kW solar array.
How much power does a 6kW system produce?
A 6kW system will produce about 400 to 900 kWh of electricity a month, meaning the amount of energy produced ranges between 4,800 to 10,800 kWh per year.
Because the average U.S. home’s monthly electricity usage is 886 kWh, a 6kW system might be too small for the amount of power consumption for many homes.
The amount of sunlight your home state gets also determines the number of solar panels you will need. Say if you live in sunny Arizona, a 6kW system will get you much farther than if you lived in rainy Washington.
How much can I save with a 6kW solar system?
Because every state has different rates for electricity, your savings will vary. If you live in a state with high electricity costs, your solar system will save you more money. Your power bill savings will also be affected by the amount of energy your solar system produces.
For example, if a 6kW solar system generates 900 kWh a month in California, it will save you about $157 a month. A system installed in Texas (where electricity is very cheap) that produces 900 kWh would save a homeowner $99 a month. The bottom line is - no matter where you live, solar will save you money on electricity.
The following table shows estimates of how much a 6kW system can save in different states:
| State | Estimated yearly savings from 6kW solar system |
|---|---|
| California | $835 - $1,878 |
| Florida | $527 - $1,186 |
| Texas | $528 - $1,187 |
| North Carolina | $530 - $1,191 |
| Arizona | $583 - $1,312 |
| New Jersey | $755 - $1,698 |
| Massachusetts | $912 - $2,052 |
| Georgia | $552 - $1,242 |
| New York | $844 - $1,899 |
Another factor that varies by state and is based on electricity costs and cost to install is the payback period. The payback period for your solar panels is the time it takes to pay the system off and get completely free electricity.
The payback period could be even lower if you live in an area with additional solar rebates like solar renewable energy credits (SRECs). Find out what your estimated payback period is for a 6kW system in your state.
How do I find the right installer for a 6kW solar system?
If you are interested in off-grid solar panel options or want to install solar panels yourself, it is possible to buy a DIY solar kit to install a 6kW system. A DIY kit costs about $10,000, making them slightly cheaper than the installed price you will get with a solar company.
Although it is technically cheaper to buy a DIY kit, many times you will need the help of a solar installer or a licensed electrician. After solar installation, electricians will ensure that the system will pass inspections.
All of that extra work can cost more than having a licensed solar installer install your panels. Also, when you work with licensed professionals, you can benefit from a 25-year warranty on your panels, a perk you do not get with DIY.
To really be sure if a 6kW system is right for you, it makes sense to work with trusted solar installers to determine the number of solar panels your home needs. Find out what local incentives you can qualify for and if a 6kW system is right for your home’s energy needs!
Key takeaways
- A 6kW solar system will produce between 400-900 kWh of electricity per month, depending on sun exposure.
- The average cost of installing a 6kW solar system is $18,000 but varies state by state.
- Yearly savings are different in each state but can be from $400 to $2,000 a year.
- If you cannot afford the upfront cost of a 6kW system, there are financing options available that allow you to pay off the system in monthly installments.
- Depending on the efficiency of the panels you choose, you will need about 265 square feet of roof space for your 6kW system.
Teddy Theil
Solar Industry Expert
Andy is arguably the most qualified rooftop solar expert in America. He is in a unique position, having founded a large solar company but now being independent of any particular company. He has appeared on CNBC, has been referenced in public hearings concerning the rooftop solar industry ( such as the recent CPUC NEM 3 decision) and has been referenced by many major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and many others.