Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wichita Homeowners?
Kansas' public agencies and power companies offer numerous solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: in.govIncentive Amount:
Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Wichita
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
In Kansas, the state government doesn't issue solar contracting licenses, though some counties issue and require their own licenses for projects within their borders. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Wichita
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor offers these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,700 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Wichita. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,099 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $857 |
| Thin-Film | $501 |
| Solar Battery | $703 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,637 |
Financing Solar Energy in Wichita
There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. We suggest paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Wichita.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.7 years |
| 2 kW | 3.4 years |
| 5 kW | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | 16.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Wichita
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Wichita?
Should I expect a property value increase after installing solar panels?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What size should my new Wichita solar system be?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Wichita?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or power companies oblige you to participate in net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you participate, you'll get a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Dodging questions about warranties, cost, credentials and training and references
- Limited or no customization
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- More mixed or negative reviews than positive ones
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
