How much does a 6kW solar power system cost and how much electricity does it produce?
Updated
As the cost of solar continues to decline, 6 kilowatt-hour (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.
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How much does an average 6kW solar system cost?
With the average cost of solar about $2.40 per watt, a 6kW solar system in the US will cost about $14,400. With the 26% federal tax credit, the solar system price drops down to about $10,656.
Depending on where you live, you can also 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 each state’s sun hours and their cost of electricity, 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 | $11,900 |
| Florida | $14,460 | $10,701 |
| Texas | $15,600 | $11,544 |
| North Carolina | $14,940 | $11,056 |
| Arizona | $16,020 | $11,855 |
| New Jersey | $16,620 | $12,299 |
| Massachusetts | $17,220 | $12,743 |
| Georgia | $13,980 | $10,346 |
| New York | $17,160 | $12,699 |
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.
Read more about solar financing options here.
How many solar panels are in a 6kW solar power system?
A 6kW energy system has between 15 and 24 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 250 watts to a high efficiency 400 watts.
For example, if you install 300-watt solar panels, you’ll need 20 panels to generate enough power for a 6kW system. But if you use more efficient 350-watt panels, you’ll only need 18 panels to reach a 6kW system size.
Higher efficiency panels tend to be more expensive, so if you have enough room for 20 solar panels, lower efficiency panels could be a better option.
How much roof space do you need for a 6kW solar system?
A 6kW solar panel system will require about 270-510 square feet of space on your rooftop.
It’s important to note that the actual square footage required will depend on the wattage (or efficiency) 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 450 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 400-900 kWh of electricity a month, meaning the amount of energy produced ranges between 4,800-10,800 kWh per year.
Because the average US home’s monthly electricity usage is 877 kWh, a 6kW system might be too small for the amount of power consumption for many homes.
However, it’s important to note that energy use will vary, depending on which state you live in. Other things to consider are the amount of sunlight and energy consumption per the average home.
For example, the average electricity use in California in 2019 was 6,384 kWh a year but in Texas it was 13,680 kWh. So, a 6kW system might not generate enough power for a home in Texas but it can in California.
The amount of sunlight your home state gets also determines the amount 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 amount 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, depending on sun exposure.
- The average cost of installing a 6kW solar system is $15,600 but varies 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 270-510 square feet of roof space for your 6kW system.
Author: Andrew Sendy | Home Solar Journalist
Andy is deeply concerned about climate change but is also concerned about cost of living pressures on American families. He advocates for solar energy and solar battery storage only to the extent that they make financial sense for homeowners. He is not affiliated with any particular solar company in the United States.