Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Leonard Wood, MO (2024 Update)

  • Fort Leonard Wood Solar Installation Cost: $16,830
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,466
  • Payback Period: 13.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Leonard Wood

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Leonard Wood.

The average cost of a solar system in Fort Leonard Wood is 3 per watt.Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Fort Leonard Wood, the average price of going solar will be about $16,830 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Fort Leonard Wood can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Fort Leonard Wood for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Fort Leonard Wood

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,378
3 years$-12,472
5 years$-9,567
7 years$-6,662
9 years$-3,756
11 years$-851
13 years$2,054
15 years$4,960
17 years$7,865
19 years$10,770
21 years$13,676
23 years$16,581
25 years$19,486

Top Solar Installers in Fort Leonard Wood

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Fort Leonard Wood

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Leonard Wood

There are a number of criteria that can play into your 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

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Fort Leonard Wood, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fort Leonard Wood average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Leonard Wood is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.50$14,720$11,68713.9 years
8 kW$3.44$19,249$15,96013.7 years
10 kW$3.37$23,590$20,42213.4 years
12 kW$3.30$27,742$25,07213.1 years
14 kW$3.24$31,705$29,91212.9 years
16 kW$3.17$35,479$34,94012.6 years
18 kW$3.10$39,065$40,15612.3 years
20 kW$3.03$42,462$45,56212.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Fort Leonard Wood, MO Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Leonard Wood?

This is a hard 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fort Leonard Wood is currently $191,671, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,859 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fort Leonard Wood is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.