Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Scott, KS (2024 Update)
- Fort Scott Solar Installation Cost: $17,983
- 25-Year Savings: $28,816
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Scott
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Scott.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Scott, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Scott, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,983, or $25,716 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fort Scott homeowner. 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.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Scott
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,599 |
| 3 years | $-13,831 |
| 5 years | $-11,063 |
| 7 years | $-8,295 |
| 9 years | $-5,527 |
| 11 years | $-2,759 |
| 13 years | $8 |
| 15 years | $2,776 |
| 17 years | $5,544 |
| 19 years | $8,312 |
| 21 years | $11,080 |
| 23 years | $13,848 |
| 25 years | $16,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Scott
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Fort Scott, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Fort Scott
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Scott
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Fort Scott: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,340 per kilowatt in Fort Scott.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Fort Scott, and each can charge different amounts for labor and 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 greater 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 | $18,768 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $25,398 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $32,215 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $39,219 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $46,410 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $53,788 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $61,353 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $69,106 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Fort Scott, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high 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.
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 Fort Scott, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Scott?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Scott is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fort Scott?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Scott?
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.