Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emporia, KS (2023 Update)
- Emporia Solar Installation Cost: $13,833
- 25-Year Savings: $31,626
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emporia
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Emporia.
The average cost of a solar system in Emporia is 2.59 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Emporia, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,833, or $19,781 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Emporia based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Emporia see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emporia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,015 |
| 3 years | $-8,378 |
| 5 years | $-4,741 |
| 7 years | $-1,105 |
| 9 years | $2,532 |
| 11 years | $6,169 |
| 13 years | $9,806 |
| 15 years | $13,442 |
| 17 years | $17,079 |
| 19 years | $20,716 |
| 21 years | $24,353 |
| 23 years | $27,989 |
| 25 years | $31,626 |
Top Solar Installers in Emporia
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Emporia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emporia
The cost of installing a solar system in Emporia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 $2,590. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Emporia provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Emporia's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Emporia know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $24,415 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $32,843 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $41,416 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $50,135 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $58,998 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $68,006 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $77,160 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $86,459 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Emporia, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Emporia?
The average cost of solar panels in Emporia 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Emporia?
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 can't take advantage of 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Emporia, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Emporia?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.