Solar Panel Cost Guide in Imperial, MO (2025 Update)
- Imperial Solar Installation Cost: $16,950
- 25-Year Savings: $18,098
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Imperial
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Imperial.
The average cost of solar panels in Imperial is 3 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Imperial, the average price of going solar will be about $16,950 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Imperial homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Imperial that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Imperial
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,660 |
| 3 years | $-13,079 |
| 5 years | $-10,498 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-5,335 |
| 11 years | $-2,754 |
| 13 years | $-173 |
| 15 years | $2,408 |
| 17 years | $4,989 |
| 19 years | $7,570 |
| 21 years | $10,152 |
| 23 years | $12,733 |
| 25 years | $15,314 |
Top Solar Installers in Imperial
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Imperial
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Imperial
There are many factors 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 installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,370.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $11,270 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,404 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $19,727 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $24,239 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $28,939 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $33,828 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $38,906 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $44,172 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
EcoWatch's Imperial, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Imperial?
The average cost of solar panels in Imperial is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Imperial have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 requires 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 home 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.