Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kansas City, KS (2023 Update)
- Kansas City Solar Installation Cost: $14,341
- 25-Year Savings: $26,661
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kansas City
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Kansas City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Kansas City is 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Kansas City, the average price of going solar will be about $14,341 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Kansas City depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Kansas City homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Kansas City for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Kansas City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,701 |
| 3 years | $-9,421 |
| 5 years | $-6,140 |
| 7 years | $-2,860 |
| 9 years | $420 |
| 11 years | $3,700 |
| 13 years | $6,980 |
| 15 years | $10,260 |
| 17 years | $13,541 |
| 19 years | $16,821 |
| 21 years | $20,101 |
| 23 years | $23,381 |
| 25 years | $26,661 |
Top Solar Installers in Kansas City
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Kansas City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kansas City
For many Kansas City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kansas City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use 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 kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kansas City to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. 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 on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Kansas City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $19,773 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $26,654 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $33,681 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $40,852 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $48,168 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $55,629 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $63,236 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $70,987 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
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 Kansas City, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kansas City?
The average cost of solar panels in Kansas City is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kansas City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Kansas City. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Kansas City?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.