Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ballwin, MO (2023 Update)
- Ballwin Solar Installation Cost: $13,111
- 25-Year Savings: $17,447
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ballwin
We go over average solar pricing in Ballwin.
In Ballwin, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Ballwin is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,108 for a solar installation, or $18,744 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Ballwin based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ballwin find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Ballwin, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ballwin
| 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 Ballwin
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Ballwin, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ballwin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ballwin
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Ballwin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Ballwin, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ballwin is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,040 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,010 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $24,125 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $29,385 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $34,790 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $40,340 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $46,035 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $51,875 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Ballwin, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ballwin?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Ballwin?
A solar panel system isn't free in Ballwin, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ballwin, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.