Solar Panel Cost Guide in Olathe, KS (2023 Update)
- Olathe Solar Installation Cost: $14,232
- 25-Year Savings: $26,751
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Olathe
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Olathe.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Olathe it's 2.59 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Olathe is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,232 for a solar installation, or $20,352 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Olathe depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Olathe for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Olathe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,593 |
| 3 years | $-9,314 |
| 5 years | $-6,035 |
| 7 years | $-2,757 |
| 9 years | $522 |
| 11 years | $3,801 |
| 13 years | $7,079 |
| 15 years | $10,358 |
| 17 years | $13,637 |
| 19 years | $16,915 |
| 21 years | $20,194 |
| 23 years | $23,473 |
| 25 years | $26,751 |
Top Solar Installers in Olathe
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Olathe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Olathe
The cost of installing a solar system in Olathe can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,590 per kilowatt in Olathe. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Olathe average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Olathe homeowners, they can also raise 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
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Olathe is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Olathe are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $20,014 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $26,975 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $34,081 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $41,333 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $48,729 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $56,270 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $63,957 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $71,788 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- 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 significant role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Olathe, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Olathe?
The average cost of solar panels in Olathe 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 cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Olathe is currently $241,581, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,905 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Olathe is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 install 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.