Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay Center, KS (2024 Update)
- Clay Center Solar Installation Cost: $17,856
- 25-Year Savings: $31,924
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay Center
We break down average solar pricing in Clay Center.
In Clay Center, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Clay Center, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,856, or $25,534 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Clay Center depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Clay Center can save about $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Clay Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,511 |
| 3 years | $-13,822 |
| 5 years | $-11,134 |
| 7 years | $-8,445 |
| 9 years | $-5,756 |
| 11 years | $-3,067 |
| 13 years | $-378 |
| 15 years | $2,311 |
| 17 years | $4,999 |
| 19 years | $7,688 |
| 21 years | $10,377 |
| 23 years | $13,066 |
| 25 years | $15,755 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay Center
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Clay Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay Center
Though the average cost of a solar system in Clay Center is $17,856, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Clay Center, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Clay Center’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $21,369 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $28,866 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $36,550 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $44,421 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $52,480 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $60,725 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $69,157 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $77,776 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Clay Center, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clay Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Clay 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Clay Center?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Clay Center, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,198.60 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 account for 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.