Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baldwin City, KS (2023 Update)
- Baldwin City Solar Installation Cost: $14,160
- 25-Year Savings: $29,674
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baldwin City
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Baldwin City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Baldwin City is 2.59 per watt. The average Baldwin City homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,160 with the federal tax credit, or $20,249 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Baldwin City based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Baldwin City find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Baldwin City for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Baldwin City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,406 |
| 3 years | $-8,900 |
| 5 years | $-5,393 |
| 7 years | $-1,886 |
| 9 years | $1,621 |
| 11 years | $5,127 |
| 13 years | $8,634 |
| 15 years | $12,141 |
| 17 years | $15,647 |
| 19 years | $19,154 |
| 21 years | $22,661 |
| 23 years | $26,167 |
| 25 years | $29,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Baldwin City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Baldwin City, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Baldwin City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baldwin City
There are several criteria that can affect 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,590. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Baldwin City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Baldwin City are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $22,343 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $30,080 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $37,963 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $45,991 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $54,163 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $62,481 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $70,944 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $79,552 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide 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 Baldwin City, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Baldwin City?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Baldwin City?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.