Solar Panel Cost Guide in Independence, MO (2023 Update)
- Independence Solar Installation Cost: $13,144
- 25-Year Savings: $24,971
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Independence
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Independence.
The average cost of solar panels in Independence is 2.59 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Independence, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,144, or $18,796 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Independence 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. With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Independence find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Independence for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Independence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,620 |
| 3 years | $-8,570 |
| 5 years | $-5,521 |
| 7 years | $-2,472 |
| 9 years | $577 |
| 11 years | $3,626 |
| 13 years | $6,676 |
| 15 years | $9,725 |
| 17 years | $12,774 |
| 19 years | $15,823 |
| 21 years | $18,873 |
| 23 years | $21,922 |
| 25 years | $24,971 |
Top Solar Installers in Independence
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Independence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Independence
There are many criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Independence, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Independence homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Independence is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $20,224 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $27,256 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $34,432 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $41,753 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $49,220 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $56,832 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $64,588 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $72,490 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Independence, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Independence?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Independence?
A solar panel system isn't free in Independence, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Independence?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.