Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salem, KS (2024 Update)
- Salem Solar Installation Cost: $17,256
- 25-Year Savings: $30,328
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salem
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Salem.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Salem generally cost around 3.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Salem, the average price of going solar will be about $17,256 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Salem can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Salem for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Salem
| 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 Salem
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Salem is $17,256, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,340 per kilowatt in Salem.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Salem average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Salem offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Salem, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $20,943 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $28,299 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $35,841 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $43,570 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $51,487 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $59,590 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $67,880 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $76,358 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salem?
The average cost of solar panels in Salem is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Salem?
Solar panels aren’t free in Salem, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Salem, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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.