Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, KS (2023 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $14,185
- 25-Year Savings: $30,752
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
See how much it might cost to go solar in Auburn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Auburn it's 2.59 per watt. Because a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Auburn, the average price of going solar will be about $14,178 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Auburn homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Auburn homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Auburn that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,841 |
| 3 years | $-10,152 |
| 5 years | $-7,463 |
| 7 years | $-4,774 |
| 9 years | $-2,085 |
| 11 years | $603 |
| 13 years | $3,292 |
| 15 years | $5,981 |
| 17 years | $8,670 |
| 19 years | $11,359 |
| 21 years | $14,048 |
| 23 years | $16,736 |
| 25 years | $19,425 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
The cost of installing a solar system in Auburn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Auburn average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Auburn offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Auburn homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Auburn, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $23,147 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $31,153 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $39,303 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $47,599 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $56,040 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $64,626 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $73,357 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $82,233 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Auburn, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Auburn?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Auburn?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.