Solar Panel Cost Guide in Olathe, KS (2024 Update)

  • Olathe Solar Installation Cost: $18,352
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,752
  • Payback Period: 11.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Olathe

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Olathe.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Olathe it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Olathe is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,352 for a solar installation, or $26,243 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Olathe homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Olathe

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,979
3 years$-14,234
5 years$-11,489
7 years$-8,744
9 years$-5,998
11 years$-3,253
13 years$-508
15 years$2,237
17 years$4,983
19 years$7,728
21 years$10,473
23 years$13,219
25 years$15,964

Top Solar Installers in Olathe

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Olathe:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Olathe

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Olathe

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Olathe: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,340. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Olathe, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Olathe offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Olathe 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 avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Olathe, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Olathe have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.47$14,589$16,73811.6 years
8 kW$3.41$19,078$22,69111.4 years
10 kW$3.34$23,380$28,83111.2 years
12 kW$3.27$27,495$35,15911.0 years
14 kW$3.21$31,423$41,67310.7 years
16 kW$3.14$35,164$48,37410.5 years
18 kW$3.07$38,717$55,26310.3 years
20 kW$3.01$42,084$62,33810.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Olathe, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Olathe, KS Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Olathe?

The average cost of solar panels in Olathe 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration 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 goals for going solar. In areas 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.

Is it worth going solar in Olathe?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Olathe?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.