Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centralia, MO (2023 Update)
- Centralia Solar Installation Cost: $13,170
- 25-Year Savings: $19,893
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centralia
We go over average solar pricing in Centralia.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Centralia is 2.59 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Centralia, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,162, or $18,822 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Centralia depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Centralia homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Centralia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Centralia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,879 |
| 3 years | $-9,298 |
| 5 years | $-6,717 |
| 7 years | $-4,136 |
| 9 years | $-1,555 |
| 11 years | $1,026 |
| 13 years | $3,608 |
| 15 years | $6,189 |
| 17 years | $8,770 |
| 19 years | $11,351 |
| 21 years | $13,932 |
| 23 years | $16,513 |
| 25 years | $19,094 |
Top Solar Installers in Centralia
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Centralia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centralia
There are several factors that can affect 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay about $2,590 per kilowatt in Centralia. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Centralia offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Centralia's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $15,996 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $21,618 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $27,385 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $33,298 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $39,355 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $45,557 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $51,905 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $58,397 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Centralia, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centralia?
The average cost of solar panels in Centralia 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Centralia?
You can't get solar panels for free in Centralia. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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.