Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wichita, KS (2024 Update)
- Wichita Solar Installation Cost: $17,256
- 25-Year Savings: $28,767
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wichita
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Wichita.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wichita, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Wichita, the average price of going solar will be about $17,256 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Wichita depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Wichita homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on 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 Wichita
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,919 |
| 3 years | $-13,247 |
| 5 years | $-10,574 |
| 7 years | $-7,902 |
| 9 years | $-5,229 |
| 11 years | $-2,557 |
| 13 years | $116 |
| 15 years | $2,788 |
| 17 years | $5,461 |
| 19 years | $8,133 |
| 21 years | $10,806 |
| 23 years | $13,478 |
| 25 years | $16,151 |
Top Solar Installers in Wichita
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Wichita
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wichita
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Wichita: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,340. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Wichita average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Wichita provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Wichita homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Wichita know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.47 | $14,589 | $19,674 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $26,607 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $33,726 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $41,032 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $48,525 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $56,206 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $64,073 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $72,128 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Wichita, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Wichita, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wichita?
The average cost of solar panels in Wichita 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wichita?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Wichita, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 amount 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.