Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salem, KS (2023 Update)
- Salem Solar Installation Cost: $13,381
- 25-Year Savings: $30,328
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salem
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Salem.
In Salem, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. Since 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 $13,380 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Salem homeowner can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,045 |
| 3 years | $-9,373 |
| 5 years | $-6,701 |
| 7 years | $-4,028 |
| 9 years | $-1,356 |
| 11 years | $1,316 |
| 13 years | $3,988 |
| 15 years | $6,660 |
| 17 years | $9,332 |
| 19 years | $12,004 |
| 21 years | $14,676 |
| 23 years | $17,349 |
| 25 years | $20,021 |
Top Solar Installers in Salem
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Salem, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Salem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salem
While the average cost of a solar system in Salem is $13,380, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Salem, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Salem, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Salem, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Salem, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salem?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Salem?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives 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 completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,184.42 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 house 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.