Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carthage, MO (2025 Update)
- Carthage Solar Installation Cost: $16,565
- 25-Year Savings: $21,962
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carthage
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Carthage.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carthage typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $16,565 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Carthage depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carthage find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carthage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,891 |
| 3 years | $-11,544 |
| 5 years | $-8,197 |
| 7 years | $-4,849 |
| 9 years | $-1,502 |
| 11 years | $1,845 |
| 13 years | $5,192 |
| 15 years | $8,540 |
| 17 years | $11,887 |
| 19 years | $15,234 |
| 21 years | $18,581 |
| 23 years | $21,928 |
| 25 years | $25,276 |
Top Solar Installers in Carthage
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Carthage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carthage
Although the average cost of a solar system in Carthage is $16,565, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Carthage, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Carthage homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Carthage, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,923 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $20,275 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $25,816 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $31,545 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $37,463 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $43,570 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $49,865 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $56,349 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- 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 previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Carthage, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carthage?
The average cost of solar panels in Carthage is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carthage?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Carthage have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 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 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.