Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hays, KS (2023 Update)
- Hays Solar Installation Cost: $13,296
- 25-Year Savings: $24,563
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hays
We break down average solar pricing in Hays.
In Hays, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Hays, the average price of going solar will be about $13,289 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hays homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Hays see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Hays that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hays
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,170 |
| 3 years | $-12,917 |
| 5 years | $-12,665 |
| 7 years | $-12,412 |
| 9 years | $-12,160 |
| 11 years | $-11,908 |
| 13 years | $-11,655 |
| 15 years | $-11,403 |
| 17 years | $-11,150 |
| 19 years | $-10,898 |
| 21 years | $-10,646 |
| 23 years | $-10,393 |
| 25 years | $-10,141 |
Top Solar Installers in Hays
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Hays
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hays
For many Hays homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hays, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,590 per kilowatt in Hays. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hays, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar companies in Hays offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Hays' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $19,661 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $26,505 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $33,494 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $40,628 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $47,907 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $55,331 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $62,900 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $70,614 | 7.9 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. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. 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 Hays, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hays?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-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 cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.