Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barnhart, MO (2023 Update)
- Barnhart Solar Installation Cost: $13,027
- 25-Year Savings: $18,255
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barnhart
We go over average solar pricing in Barnhart.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Barnhart generally cost about 2.59. The average Barnhart homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,035 with the federal tax credit, or $18,640 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Barnhart
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,737 |
| 3 years | $-9,155 |
| 5 years | $-6,574 |
| 7 years | $-3,993 |
| 9 years | $-1,412 |
| 11 years | $1,169 |
| 13 years | $3,750 |
| 15 years | $6,331 |
| 17 years | $8,912 |
| 19 years | $11,494 |
| 21 years | $14,075 |
| 23 years | $16,656 |
| 25 years | $19,237 |
Top Solar Installers in Barnhart
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Barnhart
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barnhart
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system 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 important 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,590 per kilowatt in Barnhart. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, 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 solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable 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. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Barnhart's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $14,808 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $20,034 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,405 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,921 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $36,583 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $42,389 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $48,340 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $54,437 | 9.4 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- 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 do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Barnhart, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Barnhart?
This is a difficult 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Barnhart?
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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Barnhart?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 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.
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.