Solar Panel Cost Guide in Imperial, MO (2023 Update)
- Imperial Solar Installation Cost: $13,027
- 25-Year Savings: $18,098
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Imperial
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Imperial.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Imperial it's 2.59 per watt. The average Imperial homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,035 with the federal tax credit, or $18,640 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Imperial
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,923 |
| 3 years | $-12,716 |
| 5 years | $-12,508 |
| 7 years | $-12,301 |
| 9 years | $-12,093 |
| 11 years | $-11,886 |
| 13 years | $-11,678 |
| 15 years | $-11,471 |
| 17 years | $-11,263 |
| 19 years | $-11,056 |
| 21 years | $-10,848 |
| 23 years | $-10,641 |
| 25 years | $-10,433 |
Top Solar Installers in Imperial
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Imperial
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Imperial
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Imperial: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Imperial homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to add 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Imperial is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,677 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,860 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,187 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,660 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $36,277 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $42,040 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $47,948 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $54,000 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Imperial, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Imperial?
The average cost of solar panels in Imperial 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Imperial?
You can't get solar panels for free in Imperial. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Imperial, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.