Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardner, KS (2023 Update)
- Gardner Solar Installation Cost: $14,232
- 25-Year Savings: $25,153
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardner
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Gardner.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gardner generally cost about 2.59. Because a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Gardner, the average price of going solar will be about $14,232 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Gardner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Gardner for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gardner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,657 |
| 3 years | $-9,506 |
| 5 years | $-6,355 |
| 7 years | $-3,204 |
| 9 years | $-54 |
| 11 years | $3,097 |
| 13 years | $6,248 |
| 15 years | $9,399 |
| 17 years | $12,550 |
| 19 years | $15,700 |
| 21 years | $18,851 |
| 23 years | $22,002 |
| 25 years | $25,153 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardner
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Gardner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardner
There are several factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gardner to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gardner is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $18,792 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $25,346 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $32,045 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $38,889 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $45,878 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $53,012 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $60,291 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $67,715 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you 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 to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Gardner, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gardner?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gardner?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Gardner?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Gardner?
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 level 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.