Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay Center, KS (2024 Update)
- Clay Center Solar Installation Cost: $17,856
- 25-Year Savings: $31,924
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay Center
We break down average solar pricing in Clay Center.
In Clay Center, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Clay Center, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,856, or $25,534 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Clay Center homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clay Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,511 |
| 3 years | $-13,822 |
| 5 years | $-11,134 |
| 7 years | $-8,445 |
| 9 years | $-5,756 |
| 11 years | $-3,067 |
| 13 years | $-378 |
| 15 years | $2,311 |
| 17 years | $4,999 |
| 19 years | $7,688 |
| 21 years | $10,377 |
| 23 years | $13,066 |
| 25 years | $15,755 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay Center
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Clay Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay Center
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Clay Center is $17,856, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,340 per kilowatt in Clay Center.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clay Center, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clay Center, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Clay Center, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.47 | $14,589 | $21,369 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $28,866 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $36,550 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $44,421 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $52,480 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $60,725 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $69,157 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $77,776 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Clay Center, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay Center?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Clay Center?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Clay Center, 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 can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,198.60 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.