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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Smoky Hill it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $17,907 before the 0 federal solar tax credit 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 utility 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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 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
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,340. 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 choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor 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
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 have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Smoky Hill, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smoky Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in Smoky Hill is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Smoky Hill?
A solar panel system isn’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 can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Smoky Hill?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.