Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hutchinson, KS (2024 Update)
- Hutchinson Solar Installation Cost: $17,134
- 25-Year Savings: $31,389
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hutchinson
We go over average solar pricing in Hutchinson.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Hutchinson is 3 per watt.The average Hutchinson homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,134 with the federal tax credit, or $24,502 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Hutchinson based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hutchinson find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hutchinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,792 |
| 3 years | $-13,109 |
| 5 years | $-10,425 |
| 7 years | $-7,742 |
| 9 years | $-5,059 |
| 11 years | $-2,376 |
| 13 years | $308 |
| 15 years | $2,991 |
| 17 years | $5,674 |
| 19 years | $8,357 |
| 21 years | $11,041 |
| 23 years | $13,724 |
| 25 years | $16,407 |
Top Solar Installers in Hutchinson
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Hutchinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hutchinson
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Hutchinson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,340. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hutchinson average.
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 Hutchinson homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hutchinson is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Hutchinson are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $21,988 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $29,692 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $37,582 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $45,660 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $53,924 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $62,376 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $71,014 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $79,840 | 8.6 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over 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.
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 Hutchinson, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hutchinson?
The average cost of solar panels in Hutchinson 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,219.24 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.