Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colby, KS (2024 Update)
- Colby Solar Installation Cost: $16,883
- 25-Year Savings: $22,722
- Payback Period: 11.8 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 Colby
We go over average solar pricing in Colby.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Colby typically cost around 3.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Colby, the average price of going solar will be about $16,883 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Colby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,585 |
| 3 years | $-12,990 |
| 5 years | $-10,394 |
| 7 years | $-7,799 |
| 9 years | $-5,203 |
| 11 years | $-2,608 |
| 13 years | $-12 |
| 15 years | $2,583 |
| 17 years | $5,179 |
| 19 years | $7,774 |
| 21 years | $10,370 |
| 23 years | $12,965 |
| 25 years | $15,561 |
Top Solar Installers in Colby
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Colby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colby
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Colby average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Colby homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration 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 choose to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Colby’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $15,168 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $20,599 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $26,216 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $32,020 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $38,012 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $44,190 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $50,556 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $57,108 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Colby, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colby?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Colby?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Colby, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Colby, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 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 goes down 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.