Solar Panel Cost Guide in Independence, KS (2023 Update)
- Independence Solar Installation Cost: $13,579
- 25-Year Savings: $30,354
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Independence
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Independence.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Independence it's 2.59 per watt. The average Independence homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,579 with the federal tax credit, or $19,418 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Independence homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Independence find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Independence for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Independence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,822 |
| 3 years | $-8,307 |
| 5 years | $-4,793 |
| 7 years | $-1,278 |
| 9 years | $2,237 |
| 11 years | $5,751 |
| 13 years | $9,266 |
| 15 years | $12,781 |
| 17 years | $16,295 |
| 19 years | $19,810 |
| 21 years | $23,325 |
| 23 years | $26,839 |
| 25 years | $30,354 |
Top Solar Installers in Independence
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Independence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Independence
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Independence: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. The type 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Independence average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Independence to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much you pay. Independence's 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $23,858 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $32,101 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $40,489 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $49,022 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $57,700 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $66,522 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $75,490 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $84,604 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Independence, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Independence?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Independence?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.