Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardner, KS (2025 Update)
- Gardner Solar Installation Cost: $18,352
- 25-Year Savings: $25,154
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardner
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gardner.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gardner, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Gardner homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,352 with the federal tax credit, or $26,243 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Gardner see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Gardner that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gardner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,968 |
| 3 years | $-14,200 |
| 5 years | $-11,432 |
| 7 years | $-8,665 |
| 9 years | $-5,897 |
| 11 years | $-3,129 |
| 13 years | $-361 |
| 15 years | $2,407 |
| 17 years | $5,175 |
| 19 years | $7,942 |
| 21 years | $10,710 |
| 23 years | $13,478 |
| 25 years | $16,246 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardner
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Gardner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardner
While the average cost of a solar system in Gardner is $18,352, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,340 per kilowatt in Gardner.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
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 Gardner homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Gardner, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,516 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $21,062 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $26,795 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $32,715 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $38,822 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $45,116 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $51,597 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $58,265 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Gardner, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gardner?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gardner?
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 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.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gardner is currently $323,971, so you could be looking at a value of about $13,283 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gardner is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.