Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardner, KS (2024 Update)
- Gardner Solar Installation Cost: $18,352
- 25-Year Savings: $25,154
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardner
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gardner.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gardner, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Gardner homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,352 with the federal tax credit, or $26,243 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Gardner homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Gardner, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gardner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,968 |
| 3 years | $-14,200 |
| 5 years | $-11,432 |
| 7 years | $-8,665 |
| 9 years | $-5,897 |
| 11 years | $-3,129 |
| 13 years | $-361 |
| 15 years | $2,407 |
| 17 years | $5,175 |
| 19 years | $7,942 |
| 21 years | $10,710 |
| 23 years | $13,478 |
| 25 years | $16,246 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardner
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Gardner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardner
The cost of installing a solar system in Gardner can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,340 per kilowatt in Gardner.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Gardner homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind 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
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $15,516 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $21,062 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $26,795 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $32,715 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $38,822 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $45,116 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $51,597 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $58,265 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Gardner, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Gardner, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gardner?
The average cost of solar panels in Gardner 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gardner?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.