Solar Panels Cost 5.1k-15k in Colby, KS | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.1k-$15k in Colby, KS | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Colby, KS in 2024?

In Colby, KS, the price per watt for solar panel installations is around $3.68 per watt in October, 2024.

Put another way, solar panels will cost you $3,680 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of generation capacity. After subtracting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW panel install in Colby typically costs $12,880. Subject to your energy usage, you might require a larger system.

To the left,choose your area to see the average roof size and the average maximum capacity of residential solar for homes in your county. You can review the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Colby: $12,880US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Colby: 14 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Colby: $596US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Colby

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Colby.

Roof size 733sq. ft.
Capacity 10.25kW DC
Electricity 12.8kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Colby, KS & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

With an average monthly usage of 690 kWh, Colby citizens see electric bills around $79.15 each month. This number also encompasses data from apartments and other smaller homes, which typically require lower energy requirements.

The electricity rate per kWh in Colby, KS for October 2024 is 11.46¢.

In Colby, average users need a system size of 6 kW or greater to fully account for all of their power demands. Currently, a 6 kW solar system will initially set you back around $22,080, but the 30% tax credit lowers the cost to $15,456.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Colby

Displayed below and to the left, you can find a thorough pricing structure for various solar panel system sizes set up in Colby. When you select a bigger solar system, the cost is higher, but it also results in higher electricity savings and a more substantial income tax credit.

Using the solar panel cost calculator situated down and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $79.15 in Colby. Modify the $79.15 to your usual electricity bill payment for results that are tailored to you.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $339 a year
Est. Price
$5,152
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 3,085 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $28
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.63 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 75 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,045 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $509 a year
Est. Price
$7,728
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,628 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $42
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.45 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 113 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,067 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $679 a year
Est. Price
$10,304
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,171 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $57
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.27 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 150 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,090 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $848 a year
Est. Price
$12,880
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,713 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $71
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.09 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 188 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,112 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,018 a year
Est. Price
$15,456
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,256 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $79
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.56 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 210 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,299 mi less a year

Colby Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Eligible rural small businesses and farms might have their solar or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. Wondering if you fit this category? Check your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, which makes solar appealing and sensible for a wide range of homeowners. There are also a range of state and local programs aimed at enhancing solar energy use.

Several utilities and government bodies in Kansas currently offer 2 solar rebates and incentives.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

An act of the Kansas legislature required the state's three investor-owned utilities to enter net metering or parallel generation arrangements with interconnected renewable energy customers. Some cooperatives also offer net metering. Under net metering, utilities compensate customers for net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. A bidirectional meter will be installed at no cost to the customer to track NEG. Credits will automatically be applied toward the customer's monthly bill and roll forward should generation exceed consumption for a given month. Parallel generation operates similarly to net metering, but enrollees may yield higher compensation and direct payments instead of bill credits. Contracts may be shorter-term as utilities are not required to purchase energy above a certain threshold. Certain capacity limits apply depending on the customer's property type. Interested customers should contact their utility.

Renewable Energy Goal

Value:Varies

Kansas first established a renewable portfolio standard in 2009. RPS goals are revisited from time to time, but they exist as fixed percentages rather than timed targets. As of 2020, private utilities and electric co-ops in the state should source at least 20% of their energy from renewable means. Adherence to the standard is measured through a Renewable Energy Credit system. RECs tie a fixed amount of capacity to a dollar value, with each credit expiring two years from its creation. Customers own the credits they generate but are technically required to sell them to utilities through net metering or parallel generation arrangements. Unlike many other states, compliance with the Kansas RPS is voluntary. Utilities are encouraged but not obliged to follow the state's quotas and guidelines.

Are solar panels worth it in Kansas?

When you intend to live in your home beyond the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an clear choice in Colby. A 5 kW solar system in Colby, KS might save you an average of $6,116 over 20 years, with the break even point usually being 14 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Colby, KS

Beyond missing out on the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source leads to full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. Recent news coverage has revealed that total dependence on your utility company isn't always the most favorable scenario.

On average, customers in Colby have experienced 1.58 utility outages per year in recent times. The average duration of each outage is 179.4 minutes. During severe events like vandalism, overloaded power grids or wildfires, these times can grow significantly longer.

A solar panel system could reduce the inconvenience of future outages, even if it lacks a backup battery.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Thomas County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Colby, KS?

Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is higher, the price per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Many consumers realize it's a good idea to set up a solar system that can generate enough power to offset their electric bill, because it helps them save more money.

Make & Model - Solar panels come in a range of makes and models. Because the installer might have specific brand preferences, it's essential to select a recommended installer. The selection of superior models can greatly enhance the long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - For numerous good reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Even with a higher cost, this technology generate more energy. The majority of installers choose panels made using this material.

Your Property - Each property and home is one of a kind. Sloped land, trees, or other barriers can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. These days, solar installers frequently utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wages employees are paid from their employers are different, and these expenses are transferred to the consumers. It is frequent for companies that provide higher wages to receive better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be influenced by varying local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. Reliable local installers will incorporate these figures into your first estimates to eliminate any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other KS cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Colby?

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

AmpXR

Gladstone, MO(913) 387-9474

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Engie North America

Houston, TX(713) 636-0000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solar Design Studio

Platte City, MO(816) 607-1349

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Colby, KS Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Colby, KS as of October, 2024 is $3.68/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $12,880 in Colby, KS after the federal tax credit is applied.

  • Right now, Kansas has 2 rebates and incentives available through a variety of utility companies and government entities. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Although paying in cash provides the most savings, several financing options for solar panels now exist that are cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.

  • Yes, homeowners in Colby, KS generally see a payback time of 14 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $6,116 over a 20-year period.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01