Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wichita, KS (2023 Update)
- Wichita Solar Installation Cost: $13,380
- 25-Year Savings: $28,768
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wichita
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Wichita.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wichita generally cost about 2.59. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,380 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Wichita depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wichita find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Wichita for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Wichita
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,694 |
| 3 years | $-8,322 |
| 5 years | $-4,950 |
| 7 years | $-1,579 |
| 9 years | $1,793 |
| 11 years | $5,165 |
| 13 years | $8,537 |
| 15 years | $11,909 |
| 17 years | $15,280 |
| 19 years | $18,652 |
| 21 years | $22,024 |
| 23 years | $25,396 |
| 25 years | $28,768 |
Top Solar Installers in Wichita
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Wichita
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wichita
Although the average cost of a solar system in Wichita is $13,380, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Wichita, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Wichita is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $22,950 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $30,891 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $38,976 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $47,206 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $55,581 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $64,102 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $72,767 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $81,578 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Wichita, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 go with.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Wichita, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wichita?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wichita?
Solar panels aren't free in Wichita, 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 help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Wichita, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Wichita?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.