Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Center, KS (2023 Update)
- Valley Center Solar Installation Cost: $13,381
- 25-Year Savings: $28,765
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Center
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Valley Center.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Valley Center it's 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Valley Center, the average price of going solar will be about $13,380 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Valley Center homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valley Center find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,240 |
| 3 years | $-12,959 |
| 5 years | $-12,678 |
| 7 years | $-12,397 |
| 9 years | $-12,116 |
| 11 years | $-11,836 |
| 13 years | $-11,555 |
| 15 years | $-11,274 |
| 17 years | $-10,993 |
| 19 years | $-10,712 |
| 21 years | $-10,431 |
| 23 years | $-10,150 |
| 25 years | $-9,869 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Center
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Valley Center:
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 Valley Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Center
While the average cost of a solar system in Valley Center is $13,380, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Valley Center, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Valley Center average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Valley Center homeowners, they can also increase 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 choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Valley Center's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $22,949 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $30,889 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $38,973 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $47,203 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $55,578 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $64,098 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $72,763 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $81,573 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Valley Center, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valley Center?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Valley Center?
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 don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Valley Center have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.