Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carthage, MO (2024 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 about 3.The average Carthage homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,565 with the federal tax credit, or $23,688 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Carthage for a quote for your home.
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
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Carthage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carthage
While the average cost of a solar system in Carthage is $16,565, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many 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 take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,370. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Carthage, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
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 in Carthage, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 real cost will depend on things such as 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 appealing choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Carthage?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.