Solar Panel Cost Guide in Merriam, KS (2024 Update)
- Merriam Solar Installation Cost: $18,352
- 25-Year Savings: $26,852
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Merriam
We go over average solar pricing in Merriam.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Merriam generally cost around 3.Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Merriam, the average price of going solar will be about $18,352 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Merriam can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Merriam
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,968 |
| 3 years | $-14,200 |
| 5 years | $-11,432 |
| 7 years | $-8,665 |
| 9 years | $-5,897 |
| 11 years | $-3,129 |
| 13 years | $-361 |
| 15 years | $2,407 |
| 17 years | $5,175 |
| 19 years | $7,942 |
| 21 years | $10,710 |
| 23 years | $13,478 |
| 25 years | $16,246 |
Top Solar Installers in Merriam
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Merriam, optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Merriam, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Merriam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merriam
For many Merriam homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Merriam, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Merriam, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Merriam is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $16,814 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $22,792 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $28,958 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $35,311 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $41,850 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $48,577 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $55,491 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $62,592 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts 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 power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Merriam, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Merriam?
The average cost of solar panels in Merriam is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,046.76 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.