Solar Panel Cost Guide in Junction City, KS (2023 Update)
- Junction City Solar Installation Cost: $13,888
- 25-Year Savings: $34,265
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Junction City
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Junction City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Junction City it's 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Junction City, the average price of going solar will be about $13,888 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Junction City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,961 |
| 3 years | $-8,109 |
| 5 years | $-4,257 |
| 7 years | $-405 |
| 9 years | $3,447 |
| 11 years | $7,300 |
| 13 years | $11,152 |
| 15 years | $15,004 |
| 17 years | $18,856 |
| 19 years | $22,708 |
| 21 years | $26,561 |
| 23 years | $30,413 |
| 25 years | $34,265 |
Top Solar Installers in Junction City
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Junction City, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Junction City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Junction City
The cost of installing a solar system in Junction City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $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 get 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 power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Junction City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Junction City offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Junction City, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points 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 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 | $26,408 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $35,501 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $44,739 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $54,121 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $63,649 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $73,322 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $83,140 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $93,103 | 6.5 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Junction City, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Junction City?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Junction City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Junction City?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.