Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay Center, KS (2023 Update)
- Clay Center Solar Installation Cost: $13,846
- 25-Year Savings: $31,924
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay Center
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Clay Center.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Clay Center typically cost around 2.59. Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Clay Center, the average price of going solar will be about $13,851 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Clay Center homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Clay Center for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clay Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,694 |
| 3 years | $-13,388 |
| 5 years | $-13,083 |
| 7 years | $-12,778 |
| 9 years | $-12,473 |
| 11 years | $-12,168 |
| 13 years | $-11,863 |
| 15 years | $-11,558 |
| 17 years | $-11,252 |
| 19 years | $-10,947 |
| 21 years | $-10,642 |
| 23 years | $-10,337 |
| 25 years | $-10,032 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay Center
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Clay Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Clay Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,590 per kilowatt in Clay Center. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Clay Center average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clay Center to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Clay Center homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Clay Center, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $24,645 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $33,150 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $41,800 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $50,595 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $59,536 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $68,621 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $77,851 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $87,226 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading over 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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Clay Center, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clay Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Clay Center is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Clay Center?
You can't get solar panels for free in Clay Center. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.