Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairmount, KS (2024 Update)
- Fairmount Solar Installation Cost: $18,496
- 25-Year Savings: $26,837
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairmount
We go over average solar pricing in Fairmount.
The average cost of a solar system in Fairmount is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fairmount, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,496, or $26,449 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fairmount homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Fairmount homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Fairmount, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairmount
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,122 |
| 3 years | $-14,374 |
| 5 years | $-11,626 |
| 7 years | $-8,877 |
| 9 years | $-6,129 |
| 11 years | $-3,381 |
| 13 years | $-633 |
| 15 years | $2,115 |
| 17 years | $4,863 |
| 19 years | $7,611 |
| 21 years | $10,359 |
| 23 years | $13,107 |
| 25 years | $15,855 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairmount
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Fairmount:
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 Fairmount
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairmount
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fairmount is $18,496, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,340 per kilowatt in Fairmount.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fairmount to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairmount is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $16,643 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $22,565 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $28,673 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $34,969 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $41,452 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $48,122 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $54,979 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $62,022 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and 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 access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Fairmount, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairmount?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fairmount?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fairmount is currently $316,123, so you could be looking at a value of about $12,961 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fairmount is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.