Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shawnee, KS (2023 Update)
- Shawnee Solar Installation Cost: $14,232
- 25-Year Savings: $26,983
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shawnee
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Shawnee.
In Shawnee, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Shawnee, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,232, or $20,352 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Shawnee based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Shawnee see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Shawnee for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Shawnee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,583 |
| 3 years | $-9,286 |
| 5 years | $-5,989 |
| 7 years | $-2,692 |
| 9 years | $605 |
| 11 years | $3,903 |
| 13 years | $7,200 |
| 15 years | $10,497 |
| 17 years | $13,794 |
| 19 years | $17,092 |
| 21 years | $20,389 |
| 23 years | $23,686 |
| 25 years | $26,983 |
Top Solar Installers in Shawnee
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Shawnee, the EcoWatch team has 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
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 Shawnee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shawnee
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Shawnee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Shawnee to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Shawnee homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Shawnee's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $20,191 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $27,211 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $34,377 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $41,687 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $49,142 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $56,743 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $64,489 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $72,379 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Shawnee, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shawnee?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Shawnee?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 home 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.