Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paola, KS (2023 Update)
- Paola Solar Installation Cost: $14,141
- 25-Year Savings: $28,156
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paola
We go over average solar pricing in Paola.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Paola, the average cost of solar panels is 2.59 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $14,141 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Paola homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Paola, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Paola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,450 |
| 3 years | $-9,066 |
| 5 years | $-5,682 |
| 7 years | $-2,298 |
| 9 years | $1,086 |
| 11 years | $4,470 |
| 13 years | $7,853 |
| 15 years | $11,237 |
| 17 years | $14,621 |
| 19 years | $18,005 |
| 21 years | $21,388 |
| 23 years | $24,772 |
| 25 years | $28,156 |
Top Solar Installers in Paola
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Paola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paola
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Paola to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases 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 possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Paola, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $21,204 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $28,562 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $36,065 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $43,713 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $51,507 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $59,445 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $67,528 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $75,756 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Paola, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- 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 you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Paola, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Paola?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Paola?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.