Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Riley, KS (2024 Update)
- Fort Riley Solar Installation Cost: $17,982
- 25-Year Savings: $27,580
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Riley
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Riley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Riley it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fort Riley, the average price of going solar will be about $17,982 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Fort Riley for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Riley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,638 |
| 3 years | $-13,949 |
| 5 years | $-11,260 |
| 7 years | $-8,571 |
| 9 years | $-5,882 |
| 11 years | $-3,194 |
| 13 years | $-505 |
| 15 years | $2,184 |
| 17 years | $4,873 |
| 19 years | $7,562 |
| 21 years | $10,251 |
| 23 years | $12,939 |
| 25 years | $15,628 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Riley
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Fort Riley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Riley
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,340. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fort Riley, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fort Riley homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Fort Riley, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,804 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $24,113 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $30,609 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $37,292 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $44,162 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $51,219 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $58,463 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $65,894 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Fort Riley, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Riley?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Riley?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Fort Riley, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fort Riley, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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.