Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leawood, KS (2023 Update)
- Leawood Solar Installation Cost: $14,231
- 25-Year Savings: $27,387
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leawood
We go over average solar pricing in Leawood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Leawood, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Leawood, the average price of going solar will be about $14,232 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Leawood find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Leawood for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Leawood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,847 |
| 3 years | $-10,079 |
| 5 years | $-7,311 |
| 7 years | $-4,544 |
| 9 years | $-1,776 |
| 11 years | $992 |
| 13 years | $3,760 |
| 15 years | $6,528 |
| 17 years | $9,296 |
| 19 years | $12,063 |
| 21 years | $14,831 |
| 23 years | $17,599 |
| 25 years | $20,367 |
Top Solar Installers in Leawood
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Leawood, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Leawood, we've organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Leawood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leawood
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Leawood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Leawood, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Leawood average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Leawood homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $20,499 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $27,621 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $34,889 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $42,302 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $49,860 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $57,563 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $65,412 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $73,405 | 7.7 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry 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.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Leawood, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Leawood?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Leawood?
You can't get solar panels for free in Leawood. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Leawood have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 cover 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.