Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottleville, MO (2023 Update)
- Cottleville Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $16,178
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottleville
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Cottleville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cottleville it's 2.59 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $13,108 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Cottleville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cottleville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,937 |
| 3 years | $-9,594 |
| 5 years | $-7,251 |
| 7 years | $-4,908 |
| 9 years | $-2,565 |
| 11 years | $-222 |
| 13 years | $2,121 |
| 15 years | $4,464 |
| 17 years | $6,806 |
| 19 years | $9,149 |
| 21 years | $11,492 |
| 23 years | $13,835 |
| 25 years | $16,178 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottleville
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Cottleville, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Cottleville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottleville
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Cottleville is $13,108, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cottleville to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cottleville is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Cottleville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $12,975 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $17,591 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $22,351 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $27,256 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $32,307 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $37,502 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $42,842 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $48,328 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Cottleville, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cottleville?
The average cost of solar panels in Cottleville is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cottleville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cottleville is currently $218,652, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,965 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cottleville is a worthwhile 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 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 cover 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.