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
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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.Because a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Hays, the average price of going solar will be about $17,146 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Hays depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
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
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Hays can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hays, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Hays, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $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
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality 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 cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.