Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cape Girardeau, MO (2023 Update)
- Cape Girardeau Solar Installation Cost: $12,935
- 25-Year Savings: $19,010
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cape Girardeau
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Cape Girardeau.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cape Girardeau generally cost about 2.59. 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 $12,927 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Cape Girardeau can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cape Girardeau
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,829 |
| 3 years | $-12,616 |
| 5 years | $-12,403 |
| 7 years | $-12,190 |
| 9 years | $-11,977 |
| 11 years | $-11,764 |
| 13 years | $-11,551 |
| 15 years | $-11,338 |
| 17 years | $-11,125 |
| 19 years | $-10,912 |
| 21 years | $-10,699 |
| 23 years | $-10,486 |
| 25 years | $-10,273 |
Top Solar Installers in Cape Girardeau
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Cape Girardeau:
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 Cape Girardeau
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cape Girardeau
The cost of installing a solar system in Cape Girardeau can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Cape Girardeau have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Cape Girardeau, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $15,552 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $21,026 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $26,645 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $32,409 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $38,318 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $44,373 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $50,572 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $56,916 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Cape Girardeau, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cape Girardeau?
The average cost of solar panels in Cape Girardeau 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Cape Girardeau?
A solar panel system isn't free in Cape Girardeau, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cape Girardeau?
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 utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 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.