Emob78: It's been averaging around $1/watt for some time now. But the install costs are still super high. I did some research recently, found a few companies that will do a 4-5kw install for around $6k, with PV panels, battery bank, and grid tie with automatic transfer switch. Nice setups, but still too rich for my blood. Have to stick with the old gas generator for now.
What type of panels are you using? Mono or poly crystalline?
HereForTheBeer: We got US-made SolarWorld monocrystalline panels. A touch less output than some other options but we wanted to get as much of it made domestically as possible. [url=http://www.solarworld-usa.com/~/media/www/files/datasheets/sunmodule-plus-290-300-mono.pdf]http://www.solarworld-usa.com/~/media/www/files/datasheets/sunmodule-plus-290-300-mono.pdf[/url] 30 panels installed at 300 watts each, for a 9kW system with a 10kWh battery.
$6k for the system you describe... I'd be all over that. And that's WITH a battery? I assume that's after the tax credit and whatever state rebates you could get. For some reason we have a lot less competition up here, though, so maybe our prices are reflected in that.
https://www.wholesalesolar.com/grid-tie-packages The mid-range 'affordable' kit is the 4.4kw with 16 poly panels for $6.6k. Catch is the kit doesn't come with batteries and I'm pretty sure they sell self-install kits. They sell battery packages, but they're sold separately as options. Seems funny, that's like selling a car without an engine.
Their cheapest battery option is a 430ah 48VDC kit for $2.8k. Add that in the with solar panels, charger, inverter + install and you're looking at around $9,000.
Pays to read between the lines.