Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colby, KS (2024 Update)
- Colby Solar Installation Cost: $16,883
- 25-Year Savings: $22,722
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colby
We go over average solar pricing in Colby.
The average cost of a solar system in Colby is 3 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Colby, the average price of going solar will be about $16,883 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Colby for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Colby
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,585 |
3 years | $-12,990 |
5 years | $-10,394 |
7 years | $-7,799 |
9 years | $-5,203 |
11 years | $-2,608 |
13 years | $-12 |
15 years | $2,583 |
17 years | $5,179 |
19 years | $7,774 |
21 years | $10,370 |
23 years | $12,965 |
25 years | $15,561 |
Top Solar Installers in Colby
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Colby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colby
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Colby: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 around $3,340. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Colby to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,168 | 12.3 years |
8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $20,599 | 12.0 years |
10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $26,216 | 11.8 years |
12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $32,020 | 11.5 years |
14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $38,012 | 11.3 years |
16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $44,190 | 11.1 years |
18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $50,556 | 10.8 years |
20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $57,108 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences 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: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Well-established 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Colby, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colby?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Colby?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Colby. However, you may still be able to install 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 completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Colby, 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 long do solar panels last in Colby?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.