Solar Panels Cost 7.7k-18k in Hays, KS | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $7.7k-$18k in Hays, KS | October, 2024

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

You'll pay about $3.68/W to get a solar system in October, 2024 in Hays, KS.

Based on this price per watt, you can conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can generate, you will have to spend $3,680 for its installation. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW panel install in Hays will cost around $12,880. Your electricity use habits may need a larger system.

Select your county from the menu on the left to view the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Additionally, you can also see a breakdown of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Hays: $12,880US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Hays: 11 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Hays: $5,895US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Hays

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

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

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

The standard kWh usage for Hays residents is 886 monthly, with an average electric bill of $101.23. It’s worth remembering that this number includes apartments and other smaller living spaces that generally have lower energy use.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Hays, KS is on average 11.43¢ per kWh.

If your household uses an average amount of electricity in Hays, you will want a solar system of 7 kW or larger to fully take care of your entire power needs. Presently, a 7 kW solar panel system will have an upfront cost of about $25,760, but the federal tax credit reduces the price by 30%, making it $18,032.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Hays

To your left, there is a comprehensive price breakdown for the multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Hays. Of course, with a bigger solar system, there will be a higher upfront cost, but the advantages consist of more electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

In the solar panel cost calculator located to the right and below, you can see a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $101.23electric bill in Hays. For custom results, change the $101.23 to whatever your average electricity bill is.

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 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.92 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 88 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,746 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 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.56 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 117 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,328 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 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.2 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 147 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,910 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 $85
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.83 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 176 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,492 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,188 a year
Est. Price
$18,032
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,799 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $99
  • Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.47 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 205 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,074 mi less a year

Hays Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. To determine your eligibility, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to almost all homeowners, making solar power a good investment in numerous parts of the country. There are also a number of state and local efforts aimed at enhancing solar energy use.

In Kansas, 2 solar rebates and incentives are currently available from different utilities and government agencies.

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?

If your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, installing solar panels is a wise option in Hays. In Hays, KS, the installation of a 5 kW solar system can save you an average of $11,415.2 over 20 years, with an average break even point of 11 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Hays, KS

In addition to missing out on the savings mentioned above, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by recent news stories, complete dependence on your utility company isn't always ideal.

In recent years, customers in Hays have typically faced 1.58 utility outages per year. The average duration of each outage is 179.4 minutes. During severe events like equipment failure, tornadoes or construction accidents, these times can grow significantly longer.

A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could mitigate the effects of future outages you might face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Ellis County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is larger. Consumers often discover that setting up a solar system that can replace their entire electric bill is useful, resulting in significant savings.

Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels are available in a range of makes and models. The installer’s preference for brand makes it important to select a highly rated contractor. Superior equipment generally provide an better long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are generally accepted as the industry standard, and for valid reasons. They are pricier but produce more energy. Many professionals in solar installation utilize panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Elements such as rough terrain, trees, or additional considerations might complicate the installation process. Solar installers now have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and include these factors in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies pay varying pay rates to their employees, which are then reflected in the prices consumers pay. It is frequently observed that companies with higher wages get superior reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of your installation will be impacted by the local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary depending on the area. Quality local installers will include these figures in your preliminary estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other KS cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Hays?

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.

Hays, KS Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Hays, KS as of October, 2024 is $3.68/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Hays, KS after federal tax credits is around $12,880.

  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Kansas are offering 2 rebates and incentives at this time. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Cash payments yield the highest savings, yet numerous financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Your preliminary quotes will usually include financing options available through installers.

  • Yes, on average, the return on investment for 5 kW solar panel systems in Hays, KS is achieved in 11 years, with electricity savings amounting to $11,415.2 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01