Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, KS (Mar 2023)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $14,178
- 25-Year Savings: $30,759
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Auburn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Auburn it's 2.59 per watt. The average Auburn homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,178 with the federal tax credit, or $20,275 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,380 |
| 3 years | $-8,785 |
| 5 years | $-5,190 |
| 7 years | $-1,595 |
| 9 years | $1,999 |
| 11 years | $5,594 |
| 13 years | $9,189 |
| 15 years | $12,784 |
| 17 years | $16,379 |
| 19 years | $19,974 |
| 21 years | $23,569 |
| 23 years | $27,164 |
| 25 years | $30,759 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
For many Auburn homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Auburn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,590. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Auburn average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Auburn to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Auburn homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Auburn's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- 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 opt for.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Auburn?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Auburn is currently $221,633, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,087 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Auburn is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Auburn?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.