Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chesterfield, MO (Mar 2023)
- Chesterfield Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $16,844
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chesterfield
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Chesterfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chesterfield typically cost around 2.59. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Chesterfield, the average price of going solar will be about $13,108 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Chesterfield depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Chesterfield that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chesterfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,910 |
| 3 years | $-9,514 |
| 5 years | $-7,118 |
| 7 years | $-4,722 |
| 9 years | $-2,325 |
| 11 years | $71 |
| 13 years | $2,467 |
| 15 years | $4,863 |
| 17 years | $7,259 |
| 19 years | $9,655 |
| 21 years | $12,051 |
| 23 years | $14,447 |
| 25 years | $16,844 |
Top Solar Installers in Chesterfield
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels 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 Chesterfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chesterfield
For many Chesterfield homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chesterfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Chesterfield, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chesterfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Chesterfield, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Chesterfield, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Chesterfield have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $13,536 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $18,338 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $23,285 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $28,378 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $33,615 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $38,997 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $44,524 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $50,197 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
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 Chesterfield, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chesterfield?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $828.31 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 get 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.