Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kansas City, MO (2023 Update)
- Kansas City Solar Installation Cost: $13,121
- 25-Year Savings: $24,425
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kansas City
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Kansas City.
In Kansas City, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. 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.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Kansas City homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kansas City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,484 |
| 3 years | $-8,209 |
| 5 years | $-4,934 |
| 7 years | $-1,659 |
| 9 years | $1,616 |
| 11 years | $4,890 |
| 13 years | $8,165 |
| 15 years | $11,440 |
| 17 years | $14,715 |
| 19 years | $17,990 |
| 21 years | $21,265 |
| 23 years | $24,540 |
| 25 years | $27,815 |
Top Solar Installers in Kansas City
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Kansas City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kansas City
For many Kansas City homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on 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 number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Kansas City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kansas City to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Kansas City homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Kansas City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Kansas City. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Kansas City?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.