Solar Panel Cost Guide in Independence, KS (2024 Update)

  • Independence Solar Installation Cost: $17,523
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,346
  • Payback Period: 10.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Independence

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Independence.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Independence generally cost about 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Independence, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,523, or $25,058 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Independence see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Independence

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,187
3 years $-13,514
5 years $-10,842
7 years $-8,170
9 years $-5,498
11 years $-2,826
13 years $-154
15 years $2,518
17 years $5,190
19 years $7,863
21 years $10,535
23 years $13,207
25 years $15,879

Top Solar Installers in Independence

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Independence:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average 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 panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main 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 raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,340.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Independence homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Independence, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 $20,582 10.4 years
8 kW $3.41 $19,078 $27,817 10.2 years
10 kW $3.34 $23,380 $35,239 10.0 years
12 kW $3.27 $27,495 $42,848 9.8 years
14 kW $3.21 $31,423 $50,644 9.6 years
16 kW $3.14 $35,164 $58,626 9.4 years
18 kW $3.07 $38,717 $66,796 9.2 years
20 kW $3.01 $42,084 $75,154 9.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Independence, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Independence?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Independence. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get 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.

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