Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hays, KS (2024 Update)
- Hays Solar Installation Cost: $17,146
- 25-Year Savings: $15,298
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hays
We go over average solar pricing in Hays.
In Hays, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Hays is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,146 for a solar installation, or $24,519 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Hays for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Hays
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,848 |
| 3 years | $-13,253 |
| 5 years | $-10,657 |
| 7 years | $-8,062 |
| 9 years | $-5,466 |
| 11 years | $-2,870 |
| 13 years | $-275 |
| 15 years | $2,321 |
| 17 years | $4,916 |
| 19 years | $7,512 |
| 21 years | $10,107 |
| 23 years | $12,703 |
| 25 years | $15,298 |
Top Solar Installers in Hays
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Hays:
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 Hays
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hays
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Hays is $17,146, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay about $3,340 per kilowatt in Hays.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hays, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating 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 solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Hays, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 discount 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 | $16,385 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $22,221 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $28,244 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $34,454 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $40,851 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $47,435 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $54,206 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $61,164 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Hays, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hays?
The average cost of solar panels in Hays is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Hays?
Solar panels can be a fruitful 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 account for 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.