8 kW cost scenarios
| Installed $/W | System price |
|---|---|
| $2.00/W | $16,000 |
| $2.50/W | $20,000 |
| $3.00/W | $24,000 |
| $3.50/W | $28,000 |
These are arithmetic scenarios, not quoted market averages. Battery storage, financing fees, electrical upgrades, roof work and verified incentives are not included.
How many panels for 8 kW?
| Panel rating | Approx. panels | Actual DC size after rounding |
|---|---|---|
| 400 W | 20 | 8.00 kW |
| 440 W | 19 | 8.36 kW |
| 470 W | 18 | 8.46 kW |
At roughly 21.5 ft² per 440 W module, the modules alone occupy about 409 ft². Real required roof area is higher because setbacks, spacing, access paths and obstructions reduce usable space.
Annual production scenarios
A 8 kW system does not produce the same amount everywhere. The table below shows simple first-year production at three solar-yield scenarios:
| Solar yield | Annual production |
|---|---|
| 1,200 kWh/kW/yr | 9,600 kWh/yr |
| 1,500 kWh/kW/yr | 12,000 kWh/yr |
| 1,800 kWh/kW/yr | 14,400 kWh/yr |
Make the estimate specific to your home
Use the Home Solar Calculator for ZIP-specific PVWatts production, the Roof Solar Calculator for roof-area planning, and Real Solar Prices as our homeowner quote dataset grows.