Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salina, KS (2024 Update)
- Salina Solar Installation Cost: $17,495
- 25-Year Savings: $31,596
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salina
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Salina.
The average cost of solar panels in Salina is 3 per watt.Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Salina, the average price of going solar will be about $17,495 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Salina homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,151 |
| 3 years | $-13,462 |
| 5 years | $-10,773 |
| 7 years | $-8,084 |
| 9 years | $-5,395 |
| 11 years | $-2,707 |
| 13 years | $-18 |
| 15 years | $2,671 |
| 17 years | $5,360 |
| 19 years | $8,049 |
| 21 years | $10,737 |
| 23 years | $13,426 |
| 25 years | $16,115 |
Top Solar Installers in Salina
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Salina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salina
For many Salina homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Salina, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,340 per kilowatt in Salina.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Salina homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Salina, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Salina have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $21,623 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $29,204 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $36,973 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $44,928 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $53,071 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $61,401 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $69,918 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $78,622 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Salina, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations 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 offerings 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 Salina, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salina?
The average cost of solar panels in Salina 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Salina?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Salina. However, you may still be able to install 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.
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 Salina, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Salina?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.