Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Center, KS (2025 Update)
- Valley Center Solar Installation Cost: $17,256
- 25-Year Savings: $28,765
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Center
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Valley Center.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Valley Center generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,256 before the 0 federal solar 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 installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Valley Center can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley Center
| Year | Return 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 Valley Center
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Valley Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Center
For many Valley Center homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Valley Center, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,340.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,673 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $26,605 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $33,723 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $41,029 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $48,522 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $56,202 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $64,069 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $72,123 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
EcoWatch's Valley Center, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valley Center?
This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Valley Center?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Valley Center, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Valley Center, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 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.