Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crystal City, MO (2023 Update)
- Crystal City Solar Installation Cost: $13,027
- 25-Year Savings: $19,802
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crystal City
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Crystal City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Crystal City, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.59 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Crystal City is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,035 for a solar installation, or $18,640 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Crystal City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,737 |
| 3 years | $-9,155 |
| 5 years | $-6,574 |
| 7 years | $-3,993 |
| 9 years | $-1,412 |
| 11 years | $1,169 |
| 13 years | $3,750 |
| 15 years | $6,331 |
| 17 years | $8,912 |
| 19 years | $11,494 |
| 21 years | $14,075 |
| 23 years | $16,656 |
| 25 years | $19,237 |
Top Solar Installers in Crystal City
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Crystal City:
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 Crystal City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crystal City
Although the average cost of a solar system in Crystal City is $13,035, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Crystal City, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $16,100 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $21,756 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $27,558 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $33,505 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $39,597 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $45,834 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $52,215 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $58,742 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Crystal City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Crystal City, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crystal City?
The average cost of solar panels in Crystal City 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Crystal City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Crystal City?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.