Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arnold, MO (2025 Update)
- Arnold Solar Installation Cost: $16,950
- 25-Year Savings: $15,314
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arnold
We go over average solar pricing in Arnold.
The average cost of a solar system in Arnold is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $16,950 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Arnold depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arnold find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Arnold for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Arnold
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,660 |
| 3 years | $-13,079 |
| 5 years | $-10,498 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-5,335 |
| 11 years | $-2,754 |
| 13 years | $-173 |
| 15 years | $2,408 |
| 17 years | $4,989 |
| 19 years | $7,570 |
| 21 years | $10,152 |
| 23 years | $12,733 |
| 25 years | $15,314 |
Top Solar Installers in Arnold
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Arnold
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arnold
For many Arnold homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Arnold, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $3,370. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Arnold, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Arnold homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Arnold is the company you hire to install your solar 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.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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $11,172 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,273 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $19,564 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $24,042 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $28,710 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $33,566 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $38,611 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $43,845 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Arnold, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arnold?
The average cost of solar panels in Arnold is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Arnold?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Arnold?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.