Solar Panel Cost Guide in De Soto, KS (2023 Update)

  • De Soto Solar Installation Cost: $14,287
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,915
  • Payback Period: 8.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in De Soto

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in De Soto.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in De Soto, the average cost of solar panels is 2.59 per watt. The average solar panel system size in De Soto is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,286 for a solar installation, or $20,429 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in De Soto depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in De Soto see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in De Soto

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,916
3 years $-10,174
5 years $-7,433
7 years $-4,691
9 years $-1,950
11 years $792
13 years $3,533
15 years $6,275
17 years $9,016
19 years $11,758
21 years $14,499
23 years $17,241
25 years $19,982

Top Solar Installers in De Soto

Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in De Soto

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in De Soto

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in De Soto: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in De Soto to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. De Soto's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.

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 $20,058 9.0 years
8 kW $2.64 $14,794 $27,034 8.8 years
10 kW $2.59 $18,130 $34,156 8.7 years
12 kW $2.54 $21,321 $41,422 8.5 years
14 kW $2.49 $24,367 $48,833 8.3 years
16 kW $2.43 $27,268 $56,389 8.1 years
18 kW $2.38 $30,023 $64,091 8.0 years
20 kW $2.33 $32,634 $71,937 7.8 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 pick 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability 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.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's De Soto, KS Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in De Soto?

The average cost of solar panels in De Soto is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in De Soto?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 cover 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.

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