Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scott City, KS (2024 Update)
- Scott City Solar Installation Cost: $16,651
- 25-Year Savings: $27,072
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scott City
We go over average solar pricing in Scott City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Scott City is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Scott City is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,651 for a solar installation, or $23,811 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Scott City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Scott City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,353 |
| 3 years | $-12,758 |
| 5 years | $-10,162 |
| 7 years | $-7,567 |
| 9 years | $-4,971 |
| 11 years | $-2,376 |
| 13 years | $220 |
| 15 years | $2,815 |
| 17 years | $5,411 |
| 19 years | $8,006 |
| 21 years | $10,602 |
| 23 years | $13,197 |
| 25 years | $15,793 |
Top Solar Installers in Scott City
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 Scott City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scott City
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Scott City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Scott City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Scott City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries 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 significant investment. That’s why many Scott City homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Scott City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Scott City are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $19,096 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $25,835 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $32,762 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $39,875 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $47,175 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $54,663 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $62,338 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $70,199 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Scott City, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scott City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 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 above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Scott City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Scott City have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 account for 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.