Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frontenac, MO (2023 Update)
- Frontenac Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $18,102
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frontenac
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Frontenac.
The average cost of solar panels in Frontenac is 2.59 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Frontenac, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,108, or $18,744 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large initial cost, the average Frontenac homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frontenac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,860 |
| 3 years | $-9,363 |
| 5 years | $-6,866 |
| 7 years | $-4,369 |
| 9 years | $-1,873 |
| 11 years | $624 |
| 13 years | $3,121 |
| 15 years | $5,618 |
| 17 years | $8,114 |
| 19 years | $10,611 |
| 21 years | $13,108 |
| 23 years | $15,605 |
| 25 years | $18,102 |
Top Solar Installers in Frontenac
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Frontenac, the EcoWatch team has 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 Frontenac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frontenac
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Frontenac homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Frontenac, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,580 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,730 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,025 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,465 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $36,050 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $41,780 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $47,655 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $53,676 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Frontenac, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frontenac?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Frontenac?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $863.10 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.