Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverside, KS (2024 Update)

  • Riverside Solar Installation Cost: $17,256
  • 25-Year Savings: $29,187
  • Payback Period: 10.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverside

We break down average solar pricing in Riverside.

In Riverside, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,256 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Riverside homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Riverside

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,920
3 years$-13,247
5 years$-10,575
7 years$-7,903
9 years$-5,231
11 years$-2,559
13 years$113
15 years$2,785
17 years$5,457
19 years$8,130
21 years$10,802
23 years$13,474
25 years$16,146

Top Solar Installers in Riverside

Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Riverside

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverside

The cost of installing a solar system in Riverside can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest 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 price of solar panels in Riverside, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Riverside, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Riverside, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Riverside’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Riverside know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.47$14,589$20,01610.5 years
8 kW$3.41$19,078$27,06310.3 years
10 kW$3.34$23,380$34,29610.1 years
12 kW$3.27$27,495$41,7169.9 years
14 kW$3.21$31,423$49,3239.7 years
16 kW$3.14$35,164$57,1189.5 years
18 kW$3.07$38,717$65,0999.3 years
20 kW$3.01$42,084$73,2679.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Riverside, KS Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Riverside?

The average cost of solar panels in Riverside is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Riverside, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.