Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kansas City, MO (Mar 2023)
- Kansas City Solar Installation Cost: $13,126
- 25-Year Savings: $24,420
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kansas City
We break down average solar pricing in Kansas City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kansas City, the average cost of a solar system is 2.59 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Kansas City is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,126 for a solar installation, or $18,770 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Kansas City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,624 |
| 3 years | $-8,621 |
| 5 years | $-5,617 |
| 7 years | $-2,613 |
| 9 years | $391 |
| 11 years | $3,394 |
| 13 years | $6,398 |
| 15 years | $9,402 |
| 17 years | $12,405 |
| 19 years | $15,409 |
| 21 years | $18,413 |
| 23 years | $21,417 |
| 25 years | $24,420 |
Top Solar Installers in Kansas City
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Kansas City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kansas City
For many Kansas City 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 Kansas City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,590 per kilowatt in Kansas City. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Kansas City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Kansas City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $19,814 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $26,708 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $33,748 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $40,933 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $48,262 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $55,737 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $63,357 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $71,122 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence 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 several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: When looking 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.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. 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 be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Kansas City, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kansas City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Kansas City?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.