Solar Panel Cost Guide in Butler, MO (2023 Update)
- Butler Solar Installation Cost: $12,872
- 25-Year Savings: $21,297
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Butler
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Butler.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Butler it's 2.59 per watt. The average Butler homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,872 with the federal tax credit, or $18,407 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Butler see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Butler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,506 |
| 3 years | $-8,772 |
| 5 years | $-6,038 |
| 7 years | $-3,305 |
| 9 years | $-571 |
| 11 years | $2,162 |
| 13 years | $4,896 |
| 15 years | $7,630 |
| 17 years | $10,363 |
| 19 years | $13,097 |
| 21 years | $15,830 |
| 23 years | $18,564 |
| 25 years | $21,297 |
Top Solar Installers in Butler
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Butler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Butler
There are a number of criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,590. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Butler, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Butler provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Butler, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $17,575 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $23,724 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $30,018 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $36,456 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $43,040 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $49,769 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $56,643 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $63,661 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Butler, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Butler?
This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 get 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.