Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Dorado, KS (2023 Update)
- El Dorado Solar Installation Cost: $13,507
- 25-Year Savings: $29,813
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Dorado
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in El Dorado.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in El Dorado it's 2.59 per watt. The average solar panel system size in El Dorado is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,507 for a solar installation, or $19,315 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of El Dorado homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in El Dorado find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in El Dorado
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,774 |
| 3 years | $-8,308 |
| 5 years | $-4,843 |
| 7 years | $-1,377 |
| 9 years | $2,088 |
| 11 years | $5,554 |
| 13 years | $9,020 |
| 15 years | $12,485 |
| 17 years | $15,951 |
| 19 years | $19,416 |
| 21 years | $22,882 |
| 23 years | $26,348 |
| 25 years | $29,813 |
Top Solar Installers in El Dorado
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in El Dorado
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Dorado
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in El Dorado: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like El Dorado, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in El Dorado provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for El Dorado homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in El Dorado is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in El Dorado have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $23,566 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $31,712 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $40,002 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $48,438 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $57,018 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $65,744 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $74,614 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $83,630 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's El Dorado, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in El Dorado?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in El Dorado is currently $101,000, so you can expect a value of about $4,141 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in El Dorado is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in El Dorado?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.