Solar Panel Cost Guide in Branson, MO (2024 Update)
- Branson Solar Installation Cost: $16,436
- 25-Year Savings: $23,925
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Branson
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Branson.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Branson generally cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $16,436 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Branson homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Branson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,762 |
| 3 years | $-11,415 |
| 5 years | $-8,068 |
| 7 years | $-4,721 |
| 9 years | $-1,373 |
| 11 years | $1,974 |
| 13 years | $5,321 |
| 15 years | $8,668 |
| 17 years | $12,015 |
| 19 years | $15,363 |
| 21 years | $18,710 |
| 23 years | $22,057 |
| 25 years | $25,404 |
Top Solar Installers in Branson
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Branson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Branson
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Branson is $16,436, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 around $3,370. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Branson homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Branson is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $16,761 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $22,725 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $28,878 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $35,219 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $41,750 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $48,469 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $55,377 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $62,474 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Branson, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Branson?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Branson?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Branson. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Branson have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Branson?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher amount 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.