Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fulton, MO (2023 Update)
- Fulton Solar Installation Cost: $13,131
- 25-Year Savings: $19,446
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fulton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fulton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fulton it's 2.59 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $13,126 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Fulton depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Fulton can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fulton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,841 |
| 3 years | $-9,259 |
| 5 years | $-6,678 |
| 7 years | $-4,097 |
| 9 years | $-1,516 |
| 11 years | $1,065 |
| 13 years | $3,646 |
| 15 years | $6,227 |
| 17 years | $8,809 |
| 19 years | $11,390 |
| 21 years | $13,971 |
| 23 years | $16,552 |
| 25 years | $19,133 |
Top Solar Installers in Fulton
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Fulton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fulton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Fulton is $13,126, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Fulton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fulton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Fulton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice 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 specials to compete with those larger 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 | $15,674 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $21,189 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $26,849 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $32,653 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $38,603 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $44,698 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $50,938 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $57,323 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Fulton, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fulton?
The average cost of solar panels in Fulton 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fulton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Fulton?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Fulton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.