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6 kW Solar System — Cost, Output & Payback

~15 panels · ~8,760 kWh/year · $15,300–$17,700 installed

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A 6 kilowatt solar array is one of the most popular residential solar system sizes in the US. At $2.55–$3.10 per watt installed, you're looking at a $15k–$19k investment before the 30% federal tax credit, which would bring it to $11k–$13k. This page calculates the complete financial picture for a 6 kW system at your location.
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6 kW Solar System — FAQ

How many solar panels does the average home need?▾
Most US homes need between 15 and 30 panels (6–12 kW system). The exact number depends on your electricity usage, your state's sun hours, roof orientation, and the wattage of the panels you choose. Enter your bill or usage above to get a personalized estimate.
Does roof orientation affect how much power solar panels produce?▾
Yes, significantly. South-facing roofs receive the most direct sunlight and are ideal (factor: 1.00). East and west-facing roofs produce about 15% less. North-facing roofs produce roughly 30% less. Flat roofs can be angled for optimal output.
What is net metering and how does it affect my savings?▾
Net metering is a utility billing arrangement where your excess solar production flows back to the grid and you receive a credit on your bill — usually at the retail electricity rate. Most US states require investor-owned utilities to offer net metering, though credit rates vary. Our calculator assumes full retail-rate net metering credits.
How much does a solar system cost installed?▾
Installed solar costs range from $2.50 to $3.50 per watt depending on your state, system size, panel brand, and installer. A 10 kW system runs $25,000–$35,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, that's $17,500–$24,500. Many states offer additional rebates that can reduce costs further. Get 3 quotes to find competitive local pricing.
How much electricity does a solar system produce?▾
Annual production depends on system size, sun hours, and efficiency losses. A 10 kW system in California (5.82 sun hours) produces roughly 16,700 kWh/year. The same system in Ohio (3.73 sun hours) produces about 10,700 kWh/year. This calculator uses NREL state-level sun hour averages for accurate production estimates.

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Disclaimer: Estimates based on NREL sun hour data and EIA rate averages. Actual results vary by location, shading, and system design. Not financial advice.