Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castor, MO (2023 Update)

  • Castor Solar Installation Cost: $12,800
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,835
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Castor

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Castor.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Castor it's 2.59 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Castor is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,800 for a solar installation, or $18,304 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Castor find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Castor

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,574
3 years $-9,124
5 years $-6,673
7 years $-4,222
9 years $-1,771
11 years $680
13 years $3,131
15 years $5,581
17 years $8,032
19 years $10,483
21 years $12,934
23 years $15,385
25 years $17,835

Top Solar Installers in Castor

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.

Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Castor

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castor

There are a number of factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Castor provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Castor is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 $2.69 $11,313 $14,723 10.9 years
8 kW $2.64 $14,794 $19,921 10.7 years
10 kW $2.59 $18,130 $25,263 10.4 years
12 kW $2.54 $21,321 $30,751 10.2 years
14 kW $2.49 $24,367 $36,384 10.0 years
16 kW $2.43 $27,268 $42,162 9.8 years
18 kW $2.38 $30,023 $48,085 9.6 years
20 kW $2.33 $32,634 $54,153 9.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Castor, MO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Castor?

The average cost of solar panels in Castor 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Castor?

A solar panel system isn't free in Castor, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Castor?

Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Castor?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.

Follow us