Solar Panel Cost Guide in Russell, KS (2023 Update)
- Russell Solar Installation Cost: $13,398
- 25-Year Savings: $27,695
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Russell
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Russell.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Russell is 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Russell, the average price of going solar will be about $13,398 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Russell homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Russell, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Russell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,754 |
| 3 years | $-8,467 |
| 5 years | $-5,179 |
| 7 years | $-1,892 |
| 9 years | $1,396 |
| 11 years | $4,683 |
| 13 years | $7,971 |
| 15 years | $11,258 |
| 17 years | $14,546 |
| 19 years | $17,833 |
| 21 years | $21,120 |
| 23 years | $24,408 |
| 25 years | $27,695 |
Top Solar Installers in Russell
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar company 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
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 Russell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Russell
For many Russell homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Russell, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Russell, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Russell, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $22,052 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $29,693 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $37,479 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $45,410 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $53,486 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $61,707 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $70,073 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $78,585 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Russell, 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: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Russell, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Russell?
The average cost of solar panels in Russell 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Russell?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy 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.