Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baker, KS (2023 Update)
- Baker Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $27,350
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baker
We break down average solar pricing in Baker.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Baker generally cost about 2.59. The average Baker homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,851 with the federal tax credit, or $19,807 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Baker homeowners. The price 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. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Baker that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Baker
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,203 |
| 3 years | $-8,907 |
| 5 years | $-5,611 |
| 7 years | $-2,315 |
| 9 years | $981 |
| 11 years | $4,277 |
| 13 years | $7,574 |
| 15 years | $10,870 |
| 17 years | $14,166 |
| 19 years | $17,462 |
| 21 years | $20,758 |
| 23 years | $24,054 |
| 25 years | $27,350 |
Top Solar Installers in Baker
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Baker
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baker
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total 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 some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
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 Baker homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Baker's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,027 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $28,326 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $35,770 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $43,359 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $51,093 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $58,972 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $66,996 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $75,166 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading through 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 the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Baker, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Baker?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Baker?
A solar panel system isn't free in Baker, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Baker?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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 should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.