Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson City, MO (2023 Update)
- Jefferson City Solar Installation Cost: $13,102
- 25-Year Savings: $19,908
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson City
See how much it might cost to go solar in Jefferson City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Jefferson City is 2.59 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Jefferson City is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,108 for a solar installation, or $18,744 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Jefferson City homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Jefferson City can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,812 |
| 3 years | $-9,231 |
| 5 years | $-6,650 |
| 7 years | $-4,068 |
| 9 years | $-1,487 |
| 11 years | $1,094 |
| 13 years | $3,675 |
| 15 years | $6,256 |
| 17 years | $8,837 |
| 19 years | $11,418 |
| 21 years | $13,999 |
| 23 years | $16,581 |
| 25 years | $19,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson City
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Jefferson City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson City
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Jefferson City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,590 per kilowatt in Jefferson City. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. 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 Jefferson City to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate 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 last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Jefferson City, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,093 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $21,748 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $27,547 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $33,492 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $39,581 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $45,816 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $52,196 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $58,720 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types 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
EcoWatch's Jefferson City, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson City?
The average cost of solar panels in Jefferson City is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jefferson City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive 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 maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $913.54 per year.
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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.