Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Louis, MI (2023 Update)
- St. Louis Solar Installation Cost: $12,104
- 25-Year Savings: $21,584
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Louis
We go over average solar pricing in St. Louis.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St. Louis is 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in St. Louis, the average price of going solar will be about $12,097 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in St. Louis depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average St. Louis homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Louis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,992 |
| 3 years | $-11,767 |
| 5 years | $-11,543 |
| 7 years | $-11,318 |
| 9 years | $-11,094 |
| 11 years | $-10,869 |
| 13 years | $-10,645 |
| 15 years | $-10,420 |
| 17 years | $-10,195 |
| 19 years | $-9,971 |
| 21 years | $-9,746 |
| 23 years | $-9,522 |
| 25 years | $-9,297 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Louis
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in St. Louis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Louis
Though the average cost of a solar system in St. Louis is $12,097, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in St. Louis, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $20,573 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,745 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,075 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,562 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,206 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $58,008 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $65,967 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $74,083 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's St. Louis, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Louis?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Louis?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does St. Louis have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in St. Louis?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.