Considering a greener approach to power your home in Kansas City? You’re not alone. The buzz around solar panels has never been louder. With an average ROI that’s hard to ignore and the sun shining generously over our heads, diving into the world of solar energy seems like a no-brainer. But before you leap, understanding the solar panel installation cost in Kansas City, KS, is crucial. It’s not just about slapping some panels on your roof; several factors come into play that affect both costs and savings.
The journey starts with numbers – but don’t worry; we’ve crunched them for you. So, if you’re wrestling with high utility bills or aiming to shrink your carbon footprint, let’s dive into what adding those sleek solar panels means for both your budget and our planet.
Understanding Solar Panel Installation Cost in Kansas City, KS
Factors Influencing Installation Costs
The average cost for solar panels in Kansas is $3.20 per watt. Most residents have monthly energy demands that require a 9 kilowatt (kW) system, which brings the total cost to install solar panels to $28,800 or $20,160 after the federal investment tax credit (ITC) is applied.
Since solar panel systems in Kansas are priced mostly by wattage, the size of your system plays a significant role in your total system price. The watts required depend on several factors, including the size of your home and your typical rate of electricity consumption per month.
Breaking Down the Price of a Solar Panel System
The table below includes some common system totals based on average home sizes and energy usage rates in Kansas.
| System Size | Total Cost | Cost After ITC |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $19,200 | $13,440 |
| 9 kW | $28,800 | $20,160 |
| 12 kW | $38,400 | $26,880 |
Navigating Incentives and Rebates for Kansas City Residents
Installing solar panels in Kansas is almost always financially beneficial, with the average system paying for itself in 12 years and then saving an additional $24,685 on utility bills. However, while the long-term benefits are clear, many homeowners get caught up on the installation costs, which can be prohibitively expensive in some cases.
Federal Tax Incentives for Solar Energy Systems
The federal investment tax credit (ITC) lowers that price by 30% of all your solar equipment and installation costs.
Local Rebates and Promotions
The Sunflower State’s solar incentives can rack up even more savings.
- Kansas offers a property tax exemption for the value added by your solar panels.
- Evergy, the largest utility company in Kansas, provides net metering for systems up to 15 kW.
Selecting the Best Solar Panel Company in Kansas City
Top 7 Solar Companies In Kansas City
According to Forbes, the top solar companies in Kansas City are:
- Blue Raven Solar
- SunPower
- ADT Solar
- Sunpro Solar
- KC Green Energy
- Solar SME, Inc.
- Good Energy Solutions
What to Look for in a Solar Installer
Installing solar equipment in Kansas is rather expensive, but thankfully, the installation cost should be the only money you lay out for your system. If something goes wrong, a solid warranty has got your back, saving you from shelling out cash on repairs or replacements.
Look for installers that offer comprehensive warranties, including equipment, performance, and labor. Customer service is also crucial – choose a company with a proven track record of satisfying clients.
Calculating Your Home’s Return on Investment (ROI) with Solar
Kansas homeowners with solar panels save an estimated $21,455 over 25 years.
Payback Period Analysis
On average, solar panels take 10 years to pay for themselves in Kansas (if you pay for your system upfront).
Enhancing Property Value Through Solar
While costs can be a lot up front, solar panels can help save you money on your energy bill in the long run. Considering that Kansas City gets an average of 241 days of sun and the total potential savings of installing solar in Kansas City, which is $1,660 annually, and how many solar installations occur in Kansas City (around 67), you can determine if the cost and effort of installing solar will be worth the savings later.
Financing Options for Residential Solar Systems in Kansas City
Installing residential solar panels can cost between $10,000 and $30,000 or more, though individual costs vary. On average, residents of Kansas pay $23,310 before using tax credits or incentives for their system.
Comparing Cash Purchases vs. Loans
The price of solar panels in Kansas will depend on many factors, including your monthly energy needs, the size and energy efficiency of your home, shading on your property and more. Most Kansas homeowners pay around $28,800 for a complete solar energy system, which equates to $20,160 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is considered.
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
The Impact of System Size on Your Solar Installation Cost
The size of a solar panel system also plays a role in how much the installation will cost. Larger solar installations will typically have a lower cost per watt, because the panels can be purchased at a ‘bulk price’. However, these larger solar systems will still have a higher total cost, because they are made up of more individual panels.
Determining the Right System Size for Your Needs
Not surprisingly, the smaller your system, the less you pay. The average size of a solar energy system in Kansas is 9 kW (kilowatts).
To determine what size you need, you first need to know your average energy consumption. Your monthly kWh usage can be found on your utility bill. Once you know that, you can use our solar calculator to determine how many solar panels you’ll need to offset your energy usage.
Maximizing Savings with Net Metering and Energy Production
The average cost per watt is $2.87 in Kansas.
Net metering allows you to send excess energy back to the grid in exchange for credits on your electric bill. Kansas has a statewide net metering policy that applies to investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipal utilities. The maximum system capacity allowed is 100 kW for non-residential customers and 15 kW for residential customers.
By producing your own energy and taking advantage of net metering, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electric bills, maximizing your savings over the life of your solar system.
How Technology Affects Pricing and Efficiency of Solar Panels
This is lower than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States which is currently $3.00 per watt.
Advancements in solar technology have led to more efficient panels at lower costs. Monocrystalline panels, while more expensive upfront, offer higher efficiency and longer lifespans compared to polycrystalline panels. Newer technologies like PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) and half-cut cells also improve efficiency and shading tolerance.
Microinverters and power optimizers can increase energy production by allowing panels to operate independently, mitigating the impact of shading or panel issues. While these technologies add to the initial cost, they can result in higher energy production and savings over time.
Preparing Your Home for a Smooth Solar Panel Installation Process
The only ongoing service some customers pay for is panel cleaning, which removes dirt, pollen, leaves and other debris from your panels to maximize the efficiency. In most parts of Kansas, there is sufficient rainfall to keep your panels naturally clean, so you shouldn’t feel the need to pay $100 to $150 for annual cleaning services.
To prepare for installation:
- Ensure your roof is in good condition and can support the weight of the panels
- Clear the area around your home for installer access
- Notify your HOA, if applicable
- Plan for 1-3 days of installation time
Your installer will handle permits and inspections. Once complete, you’ll be ready to power on your system and start generating clean energy.
The Future of Residential Solar Power Systems in Kansas City
In most cases, yes. Not only is solar equipment less expensive in Kansas than it is in most other states, but Kansans also see above-average amounts of sunlight that improve the value of solar energy systems and boost your savings. The typical renewable energy system in KS pays for itself in around 11 years and then saves an additional $24,685 after that point, on average.
As solar technology continues to improve and costs decline, more Kansas City homeowners are likely to adopt solar power. With supportive policies like net metering and the federal tax credit, the future of residential solar in Kansas City looks bright.
If you’re considering solar for your home, now is an excellent time to explore your options and take advantage of the available incentives. So, when you put your money into solar power, not only do you cut down on those pesky energy bills and bump up the value of your home, but you’re also doing Kansas City a solid by pushing us toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Solar Panel installation Cost in Kansas City, KS FAQs:
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kansas City?
The average setup runs about $15,000 to $25,000 after incentives. It varies based on your home’s energy needs.
Are solar panels worth it in Kansas City?
Absolutely. With high sun exposure and available rebates, you’ll see lower bills and a boost in property value.
Does Kansas have a solar tax credit?
Kansas pairs state incentives with a 26% federal tax credit, making solar upgrades more affordable for homeowners.
How much would it cost to install solar panels for a US house of about 2000 sq ft?
For such homes, the price hovers around $18,000 to $40,000 pre-incentives depending on system size and equipment quality.
Conclusion
So there we have it – navigating through the maze of solar panel installation cost in Kansas City, KS, doesn’t seem as daunting now does it? We’ve peeled back layers of technical jargon to reveal that investing in solar isn’t just good for Mother Nature—it makes cents too (pun intended). From initial outlay versus long-term savings to tapping into local incentives that sweeten the deal further; going green has never looked more golden.
Remember this though – every home tells its own story when paired with solar technology. Yours will be unique based on size requirements or shading issues among other variables so take these insights as a starting point rather than gospel truth! Fill out this form to start comparing estimates today.
