Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cotton Hill, MO (2024 Update)
- Cotton Hill Solar Installation Cost: $16,400
- 25-Year Savings: $20,630
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cotton Hill
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Cotton Hill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cotton Hill it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $16,400 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cotton Hill homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Cotton Hill can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Cotton Hill for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cotton Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,110 |
| 3 years | $-12,529 |
| 5 years | $-9,948 |
| 7 years | $-7,366 |
| 9 years | $-4,785 |
| 11 years | $-2,204 |
| 13 years | $377 |
| 15 years | $2,958 |
| 17 years | $5,539 |
| 19 years | $8,120 |
| 21 years | $10,701 |
| 23 years | $13,283 |
| 25 years | $15,864 |
Top Solar Installers in Cotton Hill
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Cotton Hill, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Cotton Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cotton Hill
The cost of installing a solar system in Cotton Hill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends 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
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,370. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, 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 Cotton Hill offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cotton Hill is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $13,962 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $18,994 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $24,214 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $29,623 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $35,220 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $41,007 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $46,982 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $53,146 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Cotton Hill, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cotton Hill?
This is a tough 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cotton Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $956.08 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.