Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belle Plaine, KS (Mar 2023)
- Belle Plaine Solar Installation Cost: $13,235
- 25-Year Savings: $31,965
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belle Plaine
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Belle Plaine.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Belle Plaine, the average cost of a solar system is 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Belle Plaine, the average price of going solar will be about $13,235 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Belle Plaine, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Belle Plaine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,427 |
| 3 years | $-7,811 |
| 5 years | $-4,195 |
| 7 years | $-579 |
| 9 years | $3,037 |
| 11 years | $6,653 |
| 13 years | $10,269 |
| 15 years | $13,885 |
| 17 years | $17,501 |
| 19 years | $21,117 |
| 21 years | $24,733 |
| 23 years | $28,349 |
| 25 years | $31,965 |
Top Solar Installers in Belle Plaine
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Belle Plaine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belle Plaine
While the average cost of a solar system in Belle Plaine is $13,235, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,590 per kilowatt in Belle Plaine. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Belle Plaine offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's wise to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Belle Plaine is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $25,822 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $34,720 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $43,762 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $52,950 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $62,283 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $71,760 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $81,383 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $91,151 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect 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 a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Belle Plaine, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belle Plaine?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Belle Plaine, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.