Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salina, KS (2023 Update)
- Salina Solar Installation Cost: $13,561
- 25-Year Savings: $31,601
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salina
We break down average solar pricing in Salina.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Salina it's 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Salina, the average price of going solar will be about $13,561 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Salina find going solar can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,755 |
| 3 years | $-8,142 |
| 5 years | $-4,529 |
| 7 years | $-916 |
| 9 years | $2,697 |
| 11 years | $6,310 |
| 13 years | $9,923 |
| 15 years | $13,536 |
| 17 years | $17,149 |
| 19 years | $20,762 |
| 21 years | $24,375 |
| 23 years | $27,988 |
| 25 years | $31,601 |
Top Solar Installers in Salina
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Salina:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Salina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salina
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Salina is $13,561, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,590. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Salina average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Salina, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Salina homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Salina, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $24,899 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $33,488 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $42,223 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $51,102 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $60,127 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $69,297 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $78,612 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $88,072 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Salina, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salina?
The average cost of solar panels in Salina 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.