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

  • Riverside Solar Installation Cost: $17,256
  • 25-Year Savings: $29,187
  • Payback Period: 10.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Riverside

We break down average solar pricing in Riverside.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Riverside it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Riverside, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,256, or $24,676 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Riverside homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Riverside

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,920
3 years $-13,247
5 years $-10,575
7 years $-7,903
9 years $-5,231
11 years $-2,559
13 years $113
15 years $2,785
17 years $5,457
19 years $8,130
21 years $10,802
23 years $13,474
25 years $16,146

Top Solar Installers in Riverside

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Riverside, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Riverside

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverside

For many Riverside homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Riverside, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,340.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to 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 more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Riverside are more knowledgeable 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 size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.47 $14,589 $20,016 10.5 years
8 kW $3.41 $19,078 $27,063 10.3 years
10 kW $3.34 $23,380 $34,296 10.1 years
12 kW $3.27 $27,495 $41,716 9.9 years
14 kW $3.21 $31,423 $49,323 9.7 years
16 kW $3.14 $35,164 $57,118 9.5 years
18 kW $3.07 $38,717 $65,099 9.3 years
20 kW $3.01 $42,084 $73,267 9.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Riverside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.

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 Riverside, KS Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality 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 less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,153.51 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 get 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.

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