Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO (2023 Update)
- Bellefontaine Neighbors Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $17,451
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellefontaine Neighbors
We go over average solar pricing in Bellefontaine Neighbors.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bellefontaine Neighbors typically cost around 2.59. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bellefontaine Neighbors, the average price of going solar will be about $13,108 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bellefontaine Neighbors homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average Bellefontaine Neighbors homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Bellefontaine Neighbors that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bellefontaine Neighbors
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,886 |
| 3 years | $-9,441 |
| 5 years | $-6,996 |
| 7 years | $-4,552 |
| 9 years | $-2,107 |
| 11 years | $338 |
| 13 years | $2,782 |
| 15 years | $5,227 |
| 17 years | $7,672 |
| 19 years | $10,116 |
| 21 years | $12,561 |
| 23 years | $15,006 |
| 25 years | $17,451 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellefontaine Neighbors
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Bellefontaine Neighbors:
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 Bellefontaine Neighbors
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellefontaine Neighbors
For many Bellefontaine Neighbors homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bellefontaine Neighbors, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bellefontaine Neighbors average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bellefontaine Neighbors is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $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 solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellefontaine Neighbors?
The average cost of solar panels in Bellefontaine Neighbors is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $845.09 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.