Solar Panel Cost Guide in Affton, MO (2023 Update)
- Affton Solar Installation Cost: $13,111
- 25-Year Savings: $18,719
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Affton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Affton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Affton it's 2.59 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $13,108 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Affton can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Affton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Affton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,821 |
| 3 years | $-9,240 |
| 5 years | $-6,659 |
| 7 years | $-4,077 |
| 9 years | $-1,496 |
| 11 years | $1,085 |
| 13 years | $3,666 |
| 15 years | $6,247 |
| 17 years | $8,828 |
| 19 years | $11,409 |
| 21 years | $13,990 |
| 23 years | $16,572 |
| 25 years | $19,153 |
Top Solar Installers in Affton
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Affton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Affton
Although the average cost of a solar system in Affton is $13,108, 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 take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,590. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Affton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Affton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $15,095 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $20,417 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,884 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $31,496 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $37,253 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $43,155 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $49,202 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $55,394 | 9.3 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Affton, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Affton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Affton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Affton, 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Affton?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.