Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centralia, MO (2024 Update)
- Centralia Solar Installation Cost: $17,136
- 25-Year Savings: $19,893
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centralia
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Centralia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Centralia, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Centralia is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,136 for a solar installation, or $24,504 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Centralia depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Centralia find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Centralia for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Centralia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,845 |
| 3 years | $-13,264 |
| 5 years | $-10,683 |
| 7 years | $-8,102 |
| 9 years | $-5,521 |
| 11 years | $-2,940 |
| 13 years | $-359 |
| 15 years | $2,223 |
| 17 years | $4,804 |
| 19 years | $7,385 |
| 21 years | $9,966 |
| 23 years | $12,547 |
| 25 years | $15,128 |
Top Solar Installers in Centralia
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Centralia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centralia
For many Centralia homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Centralia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,370. The brand and kind 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 often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Centralia to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down 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 hire to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Centralia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 extra 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 | $12,589 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $17,163 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $21,925 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $26,877 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $32,017 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $37,345 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $42,863 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $48,569 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Centralia, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centralia?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 uses 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.