Rural areas: lower nominal labor costs, but longer travel times can offset savings; total costs may be 5–15% below metro averages. Time estimates affect total labor costs directly. NLR analyzes the total costs associated with installing photovoltaic (PV) systems for residential rooftop, commercial rooftop, and utility-scale ground-mount systems. Assumptions: region, system size, roof complexity, and permit. Labor costs cover the human effort needed to get your solar project up and running. Therefore, for installation of a 5kW solar energy plant, the labor charges would cost $3,000. This price includes everything: solar panels, inverters, racking, electrical work, permits, inspections, and installation labor.