EnergySage’s latest marketplace report says the median U.S. home solar price rose about 3% to $2.57 per watt in the first half of 2026 compared with the second half of 2025. These figures are before incentives. The report covers six months after the 30% federal residential tax credit ended for systems purchased after 2025.
Key figures (EnergySage data)
- Median price: $2.57/W, up about 3%. EnergySage links part of that to higher labor rates.
- Solar-only systems: held flat at $2.62/W versus the second half of 2025, and down 1% from the first half of 2025.
- Solar plus storage: up 5% (excluding the battery itself).
- Leases and PPAs: the share of installers quoting third-party ownership options rose from about 14% to about 41% during the half.
- Batteries: customer interest reached 76% this half, battery prices reached $1,130/kWh, and the attachment rate fell to 31%.
What to know
EnergySage notes that new Section 232 tariffs on imported polysilicon are set to take effect December 4, 2026, which could add cost pressure to panels as soon as 2027. This is EnergySage’s own marketplace data, not a government statistic, so treat it as one data point.
For homeowners
If you’re comparing quotes, ask each installer for cash, loan and lease or PPA pricing on the same system, and check which federal incentives still apply to your ownership option.
Sources:
Frequently asked questions
How much did solar prices change in early 2026?
EnergySage reports the median price per watt rose about 3% to $2.57 between H2 2025 and H1 2026, before incentives.
Is this official government data?
No. It is EnergySage's own marketplace quote data and contractor survey, so treat it as one industry source.
