Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smoky Hill, KS (2023 Update)

  • Smoky Hill Solar Installation Cost: $13,888
  • 25-Year Savings: $33,436
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smoky Hill

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Smoky Hill.

In Smoky Hill, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Smoky Hill is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,888 for a solar installation, or $19,860 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Smoky Hill can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Smoky Hill

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,995
3 years $-8,209
5 years $-4,423
7 years $-637
9 years $3,149
11 years $6,935
13 years $10,721
15 years $14,507
17 years $18,293
19 years $22,079
21 years $25,865
23 years $29,650
25 years $33,436

Top Solar Installers in Smoky Hill

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Smoky Hill, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Smoky Hill

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smoky Hill

The cost of installing a solar system in Smoky Hill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay around $2,590 per kilowatt in Smoky Hill. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Smoky Hill homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. Smoky Hill's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Smoky Hill 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 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 $2.69 $11,313 $25,759 7.6 years
8 kW $2.64 $14,794 $34,635 7.5 years
10 kW $2.59 $18,130 $43,657 7.3 years
12 kW $2.54 $21,321 $52,823 7.2 years
14 kW $2.49 $24,367 $62,135 7.0 years
16 kW $2.43 $27,268 $71,592 6.9 years
18 kW $2.38 $30,023 $81,193 6.7 years
20 kW $2.33 $32,634 $90,940 6.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Smoky Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance 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 good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Smoky Hill, KS Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Smoky Hill?

The average cost of solar panels in Smoky Hill is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 get 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.

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