Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, MO (2024 Update)
- Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $16,577
- 25-Year Savings: $23,287
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Aurora.
The average cost of a solar system in Aurora is 3 per watt.The average Aurora homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,577 with the federal tax credit, or $23,705 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Aurora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,903 |
| 3 years | $-11,556 |
| 5 years | $-8,209 |
| 7 years | $-4,861 |
| 9 years | $-1,514 |
| 11 years | $1,833 |
| 13 years | $5,180 |
| 15 years | $8,528 |
| 17 years | $11,875 |
| 19 years | $15,222 |
| 21 years | $18,569 |
| 23 years | $21,916 |
| 25 years | $25,264 |
Top Solar Installers in Aurora
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Aurora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora
The cost of installing a solar system in Aurora can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Aurora, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Aurora to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Aurora’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $16,041 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $21,766 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $27,679 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $33,781 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $40,072 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $46,551 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $53,219 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $60,076 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. 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 make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Aurora, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Aurora?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Aurora?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,025.38 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.
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.