Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lawrence, KS (2024 Update)
- Lawrence Solar Installation Cost: $18,270
- 25-Year Savings: $28,647
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lawrence
We break down average solar pricing in Lawrence.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lawrence is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,270 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lawrence see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Lawrence for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lawrence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,910 |
| 3 years | $-14,189 |
| 5 years | $-11,469 |
| 7 years | $-8,749 |
| 9 years | $-6,028 |
| 11 years | $-3,308 |
| 13 years | $-587 |
| 15 years | $2,133 |
| 17 years | $4,854 |
| 19 years | $7,574 |
| 21 years | $10,294 |
| 23 years | $13,015 |
| 25 years | $15,735 |
Top Solar Installers in Lawrence
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Lawrence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lawrence
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,340. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lawrence have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lawrence is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $3.47 | $14,589 | $18,284 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $24,753 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $31,408 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $38,251 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $45,281 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $52,498 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $59,902 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $67,493 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- 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 such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Lawrence, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lawrence?
The average cost of solar panels in Lawrence is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lawrence?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lawrence. However, you may still be able to afford 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 your property value?
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 Lawrence is currently $296,308, so you can look forward to a value of about $12,149 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lawrence is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger level 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.