Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smoky Hill, KS (2024 Update)
- Smoky Hill Solar Installation Cost: $17,907
- 25-Year Savings: $33,438
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smoky Hill
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Smoky Hill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Smoky Hill, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Smoky Hill, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,907, or $25,607 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Smoky Hill based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Smoky Hill see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Smoky Hill for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Smoky Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,563 |
| 3 years | $-13,874 |
| 5 years | $-11,185 |
| 7 years | $-8,496 |
| 9 years | $-5,807 |
| 11 years | $-3,119 |
| 13 years | $-430 |
| 15 years | $2,259 |
| 17 years | $4,948 |
| 19 years | $7,637 |
| 21 years | $10,326 |
| 23 years | $13,014 |
| 25 years | $15,703 |
Top Solar Installers in Smoky Hill
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Smoky Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smoky Hill
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Smoky Hill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,340 per kilowatt in Smoky Hill.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Smoky Hill homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $22,483 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $30,351 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $38,407 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $46,649 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $55,079 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $63,696 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $72,499 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $81,490 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar 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
EcoWatch's Smoky Hill, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smoky Hill?
This is a tough 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Smoky Hill?
Solar panels aren’t free in Smoky Hill, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Smoky Hill?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates 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 long do solar panels last in Smoky Hill?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.