Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lansing, KS (2023 Update)
- Lansing Solar Installation Cost: $14,343
- 25-Year Savings: $26,970
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lansing
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lansing.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lansing it's 2.59 per watt. Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Lansing, the average price of going solar will be about $14,341 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lansing
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,959 |
| 3 years | $-10,191 |
| 5 years | $-7,423 |
| 7 years | $-4,655 |
| 9 years | $-1,887 |
| 11 years | $881 |
| 13 years | $3,648 |
| 15 years | $6,416 |
| 17 years | $9,184 |
| 19 years | $11,952 |
| 21 years | $14,720 |
| 23 years | $17,488 |
| 25 years | $20,256 |
Top Solar Installers in Lansing
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Lansing
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lansing
There are many criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Lansing is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better 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 | $20,020 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $26,984 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $34,092 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $41,346 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $48,745 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $56,288 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $63,977 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $71,811 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Lansing, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Lansing, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lansing?
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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lansing?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lansing is currently $151,992, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,232 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lansing is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Lansing?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.