Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Scott, KS (2024 Update)
- Fort Scott Solar Installation Cost: $17,983
- 25-Year Savings: $28,816
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Scott
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Scott.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Scott, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fort Scott, the average price of going solar will be about $17,983 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 true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fort Scott
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,599 |
| 3 years | $-13,831 |
| 5 years | $-11,063 |
| 7 years | $-8,295 |
| 9 years | $-5,527 |
| 11 years | $-2,759 |
| 13 years | $8 |
| 15 years | $2,776 |
| 17 years | $5,544 |
| 19 years | $8,312 |
| 21 years | $11,080 |
| 23 years | $13,848 |
| 25 years | $16,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Scott
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Fort Scott, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Fort Scott:
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 Scott
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Scott
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar system 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fort Scott, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Fort Scott homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fort Scott, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fort Scott 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 help you save 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 | $3.47 | $14,589 | $18,768 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $25,398 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $32,215 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $39,219 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $46,410 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $53,788 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $61,353 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $69,106 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Fort Scott, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Scott, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Scott?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, 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 Fort Scott?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Scott?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.