Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dexter, MO (Mar 2023)
- Dexter Solar Installation Cost: $12,800
- 25-Year Savings: $17,619
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dexter
We break down average solar pricing in Dexter.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dexter, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.59 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Dexter, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,800, or $18,304 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dexter homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Dexter homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Dexter, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dexter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,583 |
| 3 years | $-9,149 |
| 5 years | $-6,716 |
| 7 years | $-4,282 |
| 9 years | $-1,849 |
| 11 years | $585 |
| 13 years | $3,018 |
| 15 years | $5,452 |
| 17 years | $7,885 |
| 19 years | $10,319 |
| 21 years | $12,752 |
| 23 years | $15,186 |
| 25 years | $17,619 |
Top Solar Installers in Dexter
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Dexter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dexter
For many Dexter homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dexter, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Dexter offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Dexter have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $14,539 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,676 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $24,957 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,384 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $35,955 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $41,672 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $47,533 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $53,540 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Dexter, 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 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 check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Dexter, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dexter?
The average cost of solar panels in Dexter 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dexter is currently $118,800, which means you can look forward to a value of about $4,871 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dexter is a worthwhile investment.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.