Solar Panels Cost 10k-20k in Topeka, KS | September, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $10k-$20k in Topeka, KS | September, 2024

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

For the month of September, 2024, the cost per watt for solar systems in Topeka, KS is $3.61/W.

Expect to pay $3,610, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your system can generate. We are able to come to this conclusion by using this rate price cost per watt. In Topeka, the cost of a 5 kW solar system is typically $12,635, after the 30% federal tax credit. Please keep in mind that a more extensive system could be necessary to meet your energy requirements.

To the left, you can choose your county to view the average roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panels for houses in your area. Displayed below is an outline of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Topeka: $12,635US Average: $12,598
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Topeka: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Topeka: $11,213US Average: $15,732

Solar Potential in Topeka

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

Roof size 751sq. ft.
Capacity 10.5kW DC
Electricity 13.4kkWh AC per yr.

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

Topeka residents generally consume 920 kWh of electricity each month, with bills around $121.93. These statistics also reflects the energy consumption patterns of smaller residences, such as apartments.

Topeka, KS's electricity rate is 13.25¢ per kWh in September 2024.

For the typical energy consumer in Topeka, a system size of 8 kW or more is needed to cover their full power consumption demands. Right now, an 8 kW solar panel installation will cost you approximately $28,880, but the federal tax credit reduces the price by 30%, making it $20,216.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Topeka

On your left, you will see a detailed cost analysis for various solar panel system sizes set up in Topeka. When you opt for a bigger solar system, the cost is greater, but it also leads to more significant electricity savings and a larger income tax credit.

The calculator below and to the right offers a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $121.93 in Topeka. Custom results can be achieved by changing the $121.93 to your usual bill amount.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $787 a year
Est. Price
$10,108
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,051 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $66
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.53 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 116 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,268 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $983 a year
Est. Price
$12,635
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,564 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $82
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.17 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 145 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,835 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,180 a year
Est. Price
$15,162
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,076 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $98
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.8 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 174 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,402 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,377 a year
Est. Price
$17,689
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,589 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $115
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.43 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 204 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,969 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,573 a year
Est. Price
$20,216
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,102 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $122
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.71 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 216 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,666 mi less a year

Topeka 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 or wind turbine installation costs. Believe you fit this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Adding residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, available to most homeowners, making it a good option for numerous areas across the country. Alongside federal efforts, state and local programs help to encourage the use of solar power.

Kansas features 2 solar rebate and incentive initiatives available from different utilities and government organizations.

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 you're intending to stay in your home past the period required to pay back your solar investment, opting for solar panels is a wise decision in Topeka. A 5 kW system in Topeka, KS will enable you to save the average homeowner, on average, $16,628.2 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Topeka, KS

In addition to forgoing the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source results in full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. Recent news stories have demonstrated that complete dependence on your utility is not always ideal.

Lately, customers in Topeka have typically experienced 1.12 utility outages per year. The average duration of each outage is 205.67 minutes. During severe events like vandalism, overloaded power grids or landslides, these times can grow significantly longer.

Whether or not a backup battery is included, a solar panel system could ease the impact of future power outages you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Shawnee County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - The upfront cost for larger solar panel systems is larger, but the cost per watt decreases as the system size increases. Many people find it advantageous to set up a solar energy system that can fully cover their entire electric bill. This ensures optimal savings.

Make & Model - Similar to other items, solar panels come in a variety of makes and models. As your installer may prefer certain systems, it's essential to choose a reputable contractor. Higher quality makes and models often result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - For numerous good reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. They are associated with a higher price, but they provide more energy. Most solar panel installers opt for this kind of material.

Your Property - Elements such as trees, sloping terrain, or other obstructions might complicate the installation process. Using satellite imagery, solar installers can now assess your home and include these considerations into the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Different companies have varying pay scales for their employees, and these costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. Businesses that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility level interconnection fees change by area and will affect your final install price. Experienced local installers will incorporate these numbers into your first quotes to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other KS cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Topeka?

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.

Topeka, KS Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of September, 2024, the average cost for solar panels in Topeka, KS is $3.61/W. In Topeka, KS, installing a 5 kW solar panel system will set you back approximately $12,635 after federal tax incentives.

  • Utilities and government agencies in Kansas are currently offering 2 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Opting to pay in cash provides the highest savings, but there are now various financing options for solar panels that are financially beneficial. Many installers will detail information about financing options in their initial quotes.

  • Yes, in Topeka, KS, the average payback period for 5 kW solar panels is 9 years, resulting in average electricity savings of $16,628.2 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-09-01