Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Marys, KS (2023 Update)
- St. Marys Solar Installation Cost: $14,145
- 25-Year Savings: $33,240
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Marys
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in St. Marys.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Marys generally cost around 2.59. The average solar panel system size in St. Marys is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,141 for a solar installation, or $20,222 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in St. Marys depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average St. Marys homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in St. Marys, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Marys
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,987 |
| 3 years | $-13,671 |
| 5 years | $-13,355 |
| 7 years | $-13,039 |
| 9 years | $-12,723 |
| 11 years | $-12,407 |
| 13 years | $-12,092 |
| 15 years | $-11,776 |
| 17 years | $-11,460 |
| 19 years | $-11,144 |
| 21 years | $-10,828 |
| 23 years | $-10,512 |
| 25 years | $-10,196 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Marys
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 St. Marys
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Marys
For many St. Marys homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Marys, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 higher efficiency or power generation 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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Marys to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in St. Marys 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $25,128 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $33,794 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $42,605 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $51,561 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $60,662 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $69,908 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $79,299 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $88,836 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in St. Marys, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's St. Marys, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Marys?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Marys is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in St. Marys?
A solar panel system isn't free in St. Marys, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,214.70 per year.
How long do solar panels last in St. Marys?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.