Solar Panel Cost Guide in Affton, MO (2024 Update)
- Affton Solar Installation Cost: $17,060
- 25-Year Savings: $15,204
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Affton
We break down average solar pricing in Affton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Affton it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $17,060 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Affton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Affton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,769 |
| 3 years | $-13,188 |
| 5 years | $-10,607 |
| 7 years | $-8,026 |
| 9 years | $-5,445 |
| 11 years | $-2,864 |
| 13 years | $-283 |
| 15 years | $2,298 |
| 17 years | $4,880 |
| 19 years | $7,461 |
| 21 years | $10,042 |
| 23 years | $12,623 |
| 25 years | $15,204 |
Top Solar Installers in Affton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Affton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Affton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Affton is $17,060, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,370. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Affton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Affton to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Affton is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Affton are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.50 | $14,720 | $11,688 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,962 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $20,424 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $25,075 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $29,915 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $34,943 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $40,160 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $45,566 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Affton, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Affton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Affton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Affton. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Affton have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.