Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hutchinson, KS (2024 Update)
- Hutchinson Solar Installation Cost: $17,134
- 25-Year Savings: $31,389
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hutchinson
We go over average solar pricing in Hutchinson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hutchinson, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Hutchinson, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,134, or $24,502 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hutchinson can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Hutchinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,792 |
| 3 years | $-13,109 |
| 5 years | $-10,425 |
| 7 years | $-7,742 |
| 9 years | $-5,059 |
| 11 years | $-2,376 |
| 13 years | $308 |
| 15 years | $2,991 |
| 17 years | $5,674 |
| 19 years | $8,357 |
| 21 years | $11,041 |
| 23 years | $13,724 |
| 25 years | $16,407 |
Top Solar Installers in Hutchinson
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Hutchinson:
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 Hutchinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hutchinson
The cost of installing a solar system in Hutchinson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Hutchinson, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hutchinson, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Hutchinson, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $21,988 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $29,692 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $37,582 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $45,660 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $53,924 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $62,376 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $71,014 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $79,840 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Hutchinson, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hutchinson?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,219.24 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Hutchinson?
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 level 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.