Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center, MO (Mar 2023)
- Center Solar Installation Cost: $12,782
- 25-Year Savings: $22,872
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Center.
The average cost of solar panels in Center is 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Center, the average price of going solar will be about $12,782 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Center find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Center for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,356 |
| 3 years | $-8,503 |
| 5 years | $-5,651 |
| 7 years | $-2,799 |
| 9 years | $54 |
| 11 years | $2,906 |
| 13 years | $5,758 |
| 15 years | $8,610 |
| 17 years | $11,463 |
| 19 years | $14,315 |
| 21 years | $17,167 |
| 23 years | $20,019 |
| 25 years | $22,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
For many Center homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Center, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,590 per kilowatt in Center. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Center, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Center to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $19,022 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $25,652 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $32,428 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $39,349 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $46,415 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $53,625 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $60,981 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $68,482 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Center, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Center?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Center?
You can't get solar panels for free in Center. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Center?
Each state has some kind 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 electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.