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 typically cost around 3.The average Merriam homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,352 with the federal tax credit, or $26,243 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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 opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Merriam, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Merriam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merriam
For many Merriam homeowners, the decision to go solar rests 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 various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,340 per kilowatt in Merriam.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Merriam’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Merriam, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Merriam?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider 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 where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. 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 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 install 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.