Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cape Girardeau, MO (2024 Update)
- Cape Girardeau Solar Installation Cost: $16,830
- 25-Year Savings: $19,010
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cape Girardeau
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cape Girardeau.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cape Girardeau it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Cape Girardeau, the average price of going solar will be about $16,830 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Cape Girardeau depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Cape Girardeau homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cape Girardeau
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,540 |
| 3 years | $-12,959 |
| 5 years | $-10,378 |
| 7 years | $-7,797 |
| 9 years | $-5,215 |
| 11 years | $-2,634 |
| 13 years | $-53 |
| 15 years | $2,528 |
| 17 years | $5,109 |
| 19 years | $7,690 |
| 21 years | $10,271 |
| 23 years | $12,853 |
| 25 years | $15,434 |
Top Solar Installers in Cape Girardeau
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Cape Girardeau, 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
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 Cape Girardeau
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cape Girardeau
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Cape Girardeau: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 $3,370 per kilowatt in Cape Girardeau.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease 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 add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cape Girardeau is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $12,145 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $16,571 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $21,185 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $25,988 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $30,980 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $36,161 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $41,530 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $47,088 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Cape Girardeau, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Cape Girardeau, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cape Girardeau?
The average cost of solar panels in Cape Girardeau is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cape Girardeau, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.