Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hesston, KS (2023 Update)

  • Hesston Solar Installation Cost: $13,434
  • 25-Year Savings: $32,022
  • Payback Period: 7.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hesston

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hesston.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hesston generally cost about 2.59. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Hesston, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,434, or $19,211 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Hesston homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Hesston that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Hesston

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,616
3 years $-7,980
5 years $-4,343
7 years $-707
9 years $2,930
11 years $6,566
13 years $10,203
15 years $13,839
17 years $17,476
19 years $21,112
21 years $24,749
23 years $28,385
25 years $32,022

Top Solar Installers in Hesston

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another great thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

If you're looking for a solar company in Hesston, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Hesston

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hesston

The cost of installing a solar system in Hesston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hesston average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Hesston have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 $25,487 7.7 years
8 kW $2.64 $14,794 $34,273 7.5 years
10 kW $2.59 $18,130 $43,204 7.4 years
12 kW $2.54 $21,321 $52,280 7.2 years
14 kW $2.49 $24,367 $61,501 7.1 years
16 kW $2.43 $27,268 $70,867 6.9 years
18 kW $2.38 $30,023 $80,378 6.8 years
20 kW $2.33 $32,634 $90,035 6.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Hesston, KS Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hesston?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality 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.

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.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hesston is currently $138,200, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,666 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hesston is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Hesston?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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