Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arnold, MO (2023 Update)
- Arnold Solar Installation Cost: $13,035
- 25-Year Savings: $17,972
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arnold
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Arnold.
In Arnold, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Arnold is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,035 for a solar installation, or $18,640 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Arnold homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arnold find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Arnold for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Arnold
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,795 |
| 3 years | $-9,315 |
| 5 years | $-6,834 |
| 7 years | $-4,353 |
| 9 years | $-1,873 |
| 11 years | $608 |
| 13 years | $3,089 |
| 15 years | $5,569 |
| 17 years | $8,050 |
| 19 years | $10,530 |
| 21 years | $13,011 |
| 23 years | $15,492 |
| 25 years | $17,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Arnold
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Arnold
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arnold
There are several criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,590 per kilowatt in Arnold. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Arnold homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact the cost. Arnold's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,579 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,729 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,024 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,463 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $36,048 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $41,778 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $47,653 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $53,673 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Arnold, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arnold?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.