Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, MO (Mar 2023)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $18,723
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Clayton.
In Clayton, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average Clayton homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,108 with the federal tax credit, or $18,744 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,835 |
| 3 years | $-9,288 |
| 5 years | $-6,742 |
| 7 years | $-4,195 |
| 9 years | $-1,649 |
| 11 years | $898 |
| 13 years | $3,444 |
| 15 years | $5,990 |
| 17 years | $8,537 |
| 19 years | $11,083 |
| 21 years | $13,630 |
| 23 years | $16,176 |
| 25 years | $18,723 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Clayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clayton
The cost of installing a solar system in Clayton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,590 per kilowatt in Clayton. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Clayton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $15,095 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $20,417 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,884 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $31,496 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $37,253 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $43,155 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $49,202 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $55,394 | 9.3 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Clayton, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clayton?
This is a hard 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Clayton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Clayton. 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clayton is currently $665,043, so you can expect a value of about $27,267 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clayton is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.