Solar Panel Cost Guide in Butler, MO (2023 Update)
- Butler Solar Installation Cost: $12,867
- 25-Year Savings: $21,303
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Butler
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Butler.
In Butler, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Butler is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,872 for a solar installation, or $18,407 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to 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.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Butler that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Butler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,753 |
| 3 years | $-12,525 |
| 5 years | $-12,297 |
| 7 years | $-12,069 |
| 9 years | $-11,841 |
| 11 years | $-11,614 |
| 13 years | $-11,386 |
| 15 years | $-11,158 |
| 17 years | $-10,930 |
| 19 years | $-10,702 |
| 21 years | $-10,475 |
| 23 years | $-10,247 |
| 25 years | $-10,019 |
Top Solar Installers in Butler
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're searching for a solar company in Butler, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Butler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Butler
Although the average cost of a solar system in Butler is $12,872, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Butler, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Butler to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Butler is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Butler, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Butler?
The average cost of solar panels in Butler is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Butler?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Butler?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.