Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salem, KS (Mar 2023)
- Salem Solar Installation Cost: $13,380
- 25-Year Savings: $30,329
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salem
We break down average solar pricing in Salem.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Salem, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.59 per watt. The average Salem 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.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Salem based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Salem see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,632 |
| 3 years | $-8,135 |
| 5 years | $-4,638 |
| 7 years | $-1,142 |
| 9 years | $2,355 |
| 11 years | $5,852 |
| 13 years | $9,348 |
| 15 years | $12,845 |
| 17 years | $16,342 |
| 19 years | $19,839 |
| 21 years | $23,335 |
| 23 years | $26,832 |
| 25 years | $30,329 |
Top Solar Installers in Salem
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 (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 Salem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salem
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, 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 around $2,590. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Salem to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration 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 last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Salem, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Salem have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $24,219 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $32,583 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $41,091 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $49,744 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $58,543 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $67,486 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $76,574 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $85,808 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Salem, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salem?
The average cost of solar panels in Salem is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.