Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crestwood, MO (Mar 2023)
- Crestwood Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $18,226
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crestwood
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Crestwood.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Crestwood generally cost about 2.59. The average solar panel system size in Crestwood is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,108 for a solar installation, or $18,744 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Crestwood based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crestwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,855 |
| 3 years | $-9,348 |
| 5 years | $-6,841 |
| 7 years | $-4,335 |
| 9 years | $-1,828 |
| 11 years | $679 |
| 13 years | $3,186 |
| 15 years | $5,692 |
| 17 years | $8,199 |
| 19 years | $10,706 |
| 21 years | $13,212 |
| 23 years | $15,719 |
| 25 years | $18,226 |
Top Solar Installers in Crestwood
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer 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 Crestwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crestwood
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Crestwood, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Crestwood homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Crestwood, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $14,683 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,867 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,197 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,671 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $36,291 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $42,055 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $47,965 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $54,019 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Crestwood, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crestwood?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Crestwood?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.