Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emporia, KS (2024 Update)

  • Emporia Solar Installation Cost: $17,849
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,618
  • Payback Period: 9.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Emporia

We go over average solar pricing in Emporia.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Emporia, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Since a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Emporia, the average price of going solar will be about $17,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Emporia can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Emporia

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,504
3 years $-13,816
5 years $-11,127
7 years $-8,438
9 years $-5,749
11 years $-3,060
13 years $-371
15 years $2,317
17 years $5,006
19 years $7,695
21 years $10,384
23 years $13,073
25 years $15,762

Top Solar Installers in Emporia

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar 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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 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 you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,340. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Emporia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Emporia homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Emporia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 $21,139 10.2 years
8 kW $3.41 $19,078 $28,559 10.0 years
10 kW $3.34 $23,380 $36,166 9.8 years
12 kW $3.27 $27,495 $43,961 9.6 years
14 kW $3.21 $31,423 $51,942 9.4 years
16 kW $3.14 $35,164 $60,110 9.2 years
18 kW $3.07 $38,717 $68,466 9.0 years
20 kW $3.01 $42,084 $77,009 8.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand 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 offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 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 $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as 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?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Emporia is currently $151,241, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,201 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Emporia is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Emporia?

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 higher 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.

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