Solar Panel Cost Guide in Herculaneum, MO (Mar 2023)
- Herculaneum Solar Installation Cost: $13,035
- 25-Year Savings: $19,627
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Herculaneum
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Herculaneum.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Herculaneum generally cost about 2.59. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Herculaneum, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,035, or $18,640 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Herculaneum, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Herculaneum
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,729 |
| 3 years | $-9,116 |
| 5 years | $-6,503 |
| 7 years | $-3,890 |
| 9 years | $-1,277 |
| 11 years | $1,336 |
| 13 years | $3,949 |
| 15 years | $6,562 |
| 17 years | $9,175 |
| 19 years | $11,788 |
| 21 years | $14,401 |
| 23 years | $17,014 |
| 25 years | $19,627 |
Top Solar Installers in Herculaneum
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
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 Herculaneum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Herculaneum
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Herculaneum is $13,035, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few 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 energy system in Herculaneum, 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Herculaneum average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Herculaneum, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,961 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $21,571 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $27,327 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $33,227 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $39,273 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $45,463 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $51,799 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $58,279 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- 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 panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Herculaneum, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Herculaneum?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Herculaneum?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Herculaneum, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.