Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Center, KS (2024 Update)
- Valley Center Solar Installation Cost: $17,256
- 25-Year Savings: $28,765
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Center
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Valley Center.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Valley Center generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Valley Center, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,256, or $24,676 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high initial cost, the average Valley Center homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Valley Center for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Valley Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,920 |
| 3 years | $-13,247 |
| 5 years | $-10,575 |
| 7 years | $-7,903 |
| 9 years | $-5,231 |
| 11 years | $-2,559 |
| 13 years | $113 |
| 15 years | $2,785 |
| 17 years | $5,457 |
| 19 years | $8,130 |
| 21 years | $10,802 |
| 23 years | $13,474 |
| 25 years | $16,146 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Center
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Valley Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Center
For many Valley Center homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Valley Center, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Valley Center, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Valley Center have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Valley Center, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Valley Center know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.47 | $14,589 | $19,673 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $26,605 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $33,723 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $41,029 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $48,522 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $56,202 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $64,069 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $72,123 | 9.2 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 choose.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Valley Center, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valley Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Valley Center is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Valley Center?
Solar panels aren’t free in Valley Center, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Valley Center, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.