Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson City, MO (2024 Update)

  • Jefferson City Solar Installation Cost: $17,048
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,908
  • Payback Period: 12.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson City

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Jefferson City.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Jefferson City typically cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $17,048 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Jefferson City can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Jefferson City for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Jefferson City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,758
3 years $-13,177
5 years $-10,596
7 years $-8,014
9 years $-5,433
11 years $-2,852
13 years $-271
15 years $2,310
17 years $4,891
19 years $7,472
21 years $10,054
23 years $12,635
25 years $15,216

Top Solar Installers in Jefferson City

Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Jefferson City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson City

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want 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

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Jefferson City average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Jefferson City, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Jefferson City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 $3.50 $14,720 $12,686 13.4 years
8 kW $3.44 $19,249 $17,292 13.2 years
10 kW $3.37 $23,590 $22,087 12.9 years
12 kW $3.30 $27,742 $27,071 12.7 years
14 kW $3.24 $31,705 $32,243 12.4 years
16 kW $3.17 $35,479 $37,604 12.1 years
18 kW $3.10 $39,065 $43,154 11.9 years
20 kW $3.03 $42,462 $48,892 11.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Jefferson City, MO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jefferson City?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas 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.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Jefferson City is currently $287,128, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,772 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Jefferson City is a rewarding investment.

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 decreases 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.

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