Solar Panel Cost Guide in Abilene, KS (2023 Update)
- Abilene Solar Installation Cost: $13,724
- 25-Year Savings: $34,183
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Abilene
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Abilene.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Abilene generally cost about 2.59. The average solar panel system size in Abilene is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,724 for a solar installation, or $19,625 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Abilene based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Abilene homeowner can save around $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Abilene, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Abilene
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,808 |
| 3 years | $-7,976 |
| 5 years | $-4,143 |
| 7 years | $-310 |
| 9 years | $3,522 |
| 11 years | $7,355 |
| 13 years | $11,187 |
| 15 years | $15,020 |
| 17 years | $18,852 |
| 19 years | $22,685 |
| 21 years | $26,517 |
| 23 years | $30,350 |
| 25 years | $34,183 |
Top Solar Installers in Abilene
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Abilene, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Abilene
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Abilene
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Abilene homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Abilene, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $26,674 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $35,855 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $45,182 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $54,653 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $64,270 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $74,031 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $83,938 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $93,990 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Abilene, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Abilene?
The average cost of solar panels in Abilene is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Abilene?
A solar panel system isn't free in Abilene, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Abilene?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.