Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garden City, KS (2024 Update)
- Garden City Solar Installation Cost: $16,493
- 25-Year Savings: $25,037
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Garden City
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Garden City.
The average cost of solar panels in Garden City is 3 per watt.Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Garden City, the average price of going solar will be about $16,493 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Garden City see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Garden City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,093 |
| 3 years | $-12,295 |
| 5 years | $-9,496 |
| 7 years | $-6,698 |
| 9 years | $-3,899 |
| 11 years | $-1,100 |
| 13 years | $1,698 |
| 15 years | $4,497 |
| 17 years | $7,295 |
| 19 years | $10,094 |
| 21 years | $12,893 |
| 23 years | $15,691 |
| 25 years | $18,490 |
Top Solar Installers in Garden City
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're searching for a solar company in Garden City, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Garden City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garden City
For many Garden City homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Garden City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,340 per kilowatt in Garden City.The 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Garden City average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Garden City, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Garden City is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $17,584 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $23,819 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $30,241 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $36,851 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $43,647 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $50,631 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $57,801 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $65,159 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Garden City, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Garden City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Garden City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy 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.