Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chouteau, IL (Mar 2023)
- Chouteau Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $9,068
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chouteau
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Chouteau.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chouteau typically cost around 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,695 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Chouteau can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chouteau
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,865 |
| 3 years | $-9,204 |
| 5 years | $-7,543 |
| 7 years | $-5,882 |
| 9 years | $-4,221 |
| 11 years | $-2,560 |
| 13 years | $-899 |
| 15 years | $762 |
| 17 years | $2,424 |
| 19 years | $4,085 |
| 21 years | $5,746 |
| 23 years | $7,407 |
| 25 years | $9,068 |
Top Solar Installers in Chouteau
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Chouteau:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Chouteau
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chouteau
Although the average cost of a solar system in Chouteau is $11,695, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chouteau average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chouteau to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chouteau is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $8,440 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $11,559 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $14,831 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $18,255 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $21,833 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $25,564 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $29,447 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $33,483 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Chouteau, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chouteau?
The average cost of solar panels in Chouteau is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Chouteau?
A solar panel system isn't free in Chouteau, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.