Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arkansas City, KS (2024 Update)
- Arkansas City Solar Installation Cost: $17,271
- 25-Year Savings: $31,457
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arkansas City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Arkansas City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Arkansas City, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Arkansas City, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,271, or $24,698 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Arkansas City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arkansas City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,935 |
| 3 years | $-13,263 |
| 5 years | $-10,591 |
| 7 years | $-7,919 |
| 9 years | $-5,247 |
| 11 years | $-2,575 |
| 13 years | $97 |
| 15 years | $2,770 |
| 17 years | $5,442 |
| 19 years | $8,114 |
| 21 years | $10,786 |
| 23 years | $13,458 |
| 25 years | $16,130 |
Top Solar Installers in Arkansas City
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Arkansas City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arkansas City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Arkansas City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Arkansas City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,340 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 get 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Arkansas City average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Arkansas City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,839 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $29,492 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $37,333 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $45,361 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $53,576 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $61,977 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $70,566 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $79,342 | 8.7 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Arkansas City, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arkansas City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Arkansas City?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Arkansas City. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Arkansas City?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.