Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carrollton, MO (2023 Update)
- Carrollton Solar Installation Cost: $13,215
- 25-Year Savings: $24,370
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carrollton
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Carrollton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carrollton typically cost about 2.59. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Carrollton, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,217, or $18,900 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Carrollton depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carrollton find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carrollton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,090 |
| 3 years | $-12,839 |
| 5 years | $-12,589 |
| 7 years | $-12,338 |
| 9 years | $-12,088 |
| 11 years | $-11,837 |
| 13 years | $-11,586 |
| 15 years | $-11,336 |
| 17 years | $-11,085 |
| 19 years | $-10,835 |
| 21 years | $-10,584 |
| 23 years | $-10,334 |
| 25 years | $-10,083 |
Top Solar Installers in Carrollton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Carrollton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carrollton
The cost of installing a solar system in Carrollton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Carrollton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Carrollton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Carrollton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Carrollton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $19,625 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $26,456 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $33,433 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $40,554 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $47,821 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $55,233 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $62,790 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $70,492 | 7.9 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:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Carrollton, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carrollton?
The average cost of solar panels in Carrollton is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,031.26 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 house 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.