A good quality 6.5kW or 6.6kW solar system will usually cost in the range of $5,000 to $7,000. You can buy cheaper components such as panels and invertors and that will save you money on the initial outlay but you will probably spend that money many times over with short equipment lifespans and expensive repairs.

Solar panels technically still function at night, in fact, but they won't be generating electricity. However, they will still produce electricity during cloudy weather. As long as there's at least a little sunlight, solar panels will generate electricity.

The Life Span of Solar Panels Manufacturers design solar panels to last for decades. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar panels last between 20 and 30 years. Some well-made panels may even last up to 40 years.