Solar Panel Cost Guide in De Soto, MO (Mar 2023)
- De Soto Solar Installation Cost: $13,035
- 25-Year Savings: $21,008
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in De Soto
We break down average solar pricing in De Soto.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in De Soto generally cost about 2.59. The average solar panel system size in De Soto 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 figures above are only estimates based on the average De Soto 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 ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in De Soto for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in De Soto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,674 |
| 3 years | $-8,950 |
| 5 years | $-6,227 |
| 7 years | $-3,503 |
| 9 years | $-780 |
| 11 years | $1,944 |
| 13 years | $4,667 |
| 15 years | $7,390 |
| 17 years | $10,114 |
| 19 years | $12,837 |
| 21 years | $15,561 |
| 23 years | $18,284 |
| 25 years | $21,008 |
Top Solar Installers in De Soto
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in De Soto, we've put together 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 (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 De Soto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in De Soto
For many De Soto homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in De Soto, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in De Soto to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in De Soto is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $17,114 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $23,108 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $29,248 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $35,533 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $41,962 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $48,537 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $55,257 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $62,122 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 De Soto, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in De Soto?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.