Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mcpherson, KS (Mar 2023)
- Mcpherson Solar Installation Cost: $13,452
- 25-Year Savings: $27,520
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mcpherson
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mcpherson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mcpherson it's 2.59 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,452 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Mcpherson homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Mcpherson for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mcpherson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,814 |
| 3 years | $-8,536 |
| 5 years | $-5,258 |
| 7 years | $-1,980 |
| 9 years | $1,298 |
| 11 years | $4,576 |
| 13 years | $7,853 |
| 15 years | $11,131 |
| 17 years | $14,409 |
| 19 years | $17,687 |
| 21 years | $20,965 |
| 23 years | $24,242 |
| 25 years | $27,520 |
Top Solar Installers in Mcpherson
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Mcpherson, we've 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 (coming 2022)
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 Mcpherson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mcpherson
Though the average cost of a solar system in Mcpherson is $13,452, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,590. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Mcpherson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mcpherson to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Mcpherson homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $21,797 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $29,353 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $37,054 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $44,900 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $52,891 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $61,027 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $69,308 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $77,734 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- 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 big role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Mcpherson, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mcpherson?
The average cost of solar panels in Mcpherson is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mcpherson?
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 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Mcpherson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.