Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dodge City, KS (2024 Update)
- Dodge City Solar Installation Cost: $16,544
- 25-Year Savings: $27,799
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dodge City
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Dodge City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dodge City typically cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $16,544 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Dodge City homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high initial cost, the average Dodge City homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Dodge City for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dodge City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,181 |
| 3 years | $-12,456 |
| 5 years | $-9,731 |
| 7 years | $-7,006 |
| 9 years | $-4,281 |
| 11 years | $-1,556 |
| 13 years | $1,169 |
| 15 years | $3,894 |
| 17 years | $6,619 |
| 19 years | $9,344 |
| 21 years | $12,069 |
| 23 years | $14,794 |
| 25 years | $17,519 |
Top Solar Installers in Dodge City
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Dodge City, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Dodge City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dodge City
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Dodge City: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Dodge City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Dodge City, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Dodge City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $19,860 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $26,854 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $34,035 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $41,403 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $48,958 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $56,700 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $64,629 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $72,745 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company 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.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Dodge City, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dodge City?
This is a hard 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dodge City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dodge City is currently $151,263, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,202 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dodge City is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.