Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottleville, MO (2024 Update)
- Cottleville Solar Installation Cost: $17,066
- 25-Year Savings: $16,170
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottleville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Cottleville.
The average cost of solar panels in Cottleville is 3 per watt.The average Cottleville homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,066 with the federal tax credit, or $24,404 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Cottleville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Cottleville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cottleville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,776 |
| 3 years | $-13,194 |
| 5 years | $-10,613 |
| 7 years | $-8,032 |
| 9 years | $-5,451 |
| 11 years | $-2,870 |
| 13 years | $-289 |
| 15 years | $2,292 |
| 17 years | $4,874 |
| 19 years | $7,455 |
| 21 years | $10,036 |
| 23 years | $12,617 |
| 25 years | $15,198 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottleville
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Cottleville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottleville
The cost of installing a solar system in Cottleville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Most solar installers in Cottleville offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Cottleville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Cottleville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $9,568 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $13,135 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $16,891 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $20,835 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $24,968 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $29,290 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $33,801 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $38,500 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Cottleville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 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 $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as 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 attractive choice, as 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 get the most savings.
Does Cottleville have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.