Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverside, KS (2023 Update)
- Riverside Solar Installation Cost: $13,380
- 25-Year Savings: $29,188
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverside
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Riverside.
In Riverside, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average Riverside homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,380 with the federal tax credit, or $19,133 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Riverside depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Riverside homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Riverside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,677 |
| 3 years | $-8,272 |
| 5 years | $-4,866 |
| 7 years | $-1,461 |
| 9 years | $1,945 |
| 11 years | $5,350 |
| 13 years | $8,755 |
| 15 years | $12,161 |
| 17 years | $15,566 |
| 19 years | $18,972 |
| 21 years | $22,377 |
| 23 years | $25,783 |
| 25 years | $29,188 |
Top Solar Installers in Riverside
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Riverside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverside
There are several criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,590. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Riverside, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $23,292 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $31,347 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $39,546 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $47,890 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $56,379 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $65,014 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $73,793 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $82,717 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Riverside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Riverside, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Riverside?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Riverside?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Riverside, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.