Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salem, KS (2025 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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Salem it’s 3 per watt.The average Salem homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,256 with the federal tax credit, or $24,676 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Salem depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $23,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Salem find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Salem for a customized quote.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
There are a number of factors that can play into your total 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Salem offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating 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 company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Salem, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Salem have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 | $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
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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
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 actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Salem?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Salem. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. 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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.