Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kirkwood, MO (2023 Update)
- Kirkwood Solar Installation Cost: $13,111
- 25-Year Savings: $18,098
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kirkwood
See how much it might cost to go solar in Kirkwood.
In Kirkwood, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Kirkwood, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,108, or $18,744 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Kirkwood see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Kirkwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,007 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-12,591 |
| 7 years | $-12,383 |
| 9 years | $-12,175 |
| 11 years | $-11,967 |
| 13 years | $-11,759 |
| 15 years | $-11,551 |
| 17 years | $-11,343 |
| 19 years | $-11,135 |
| 21 years | $-10,927 |
| 23 years | $-10,719 |
| 25 years | $-10,511 |
Top Solar Installers in Kirkwood
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Kirkwood, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kirkwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kirkwood
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Kirkwood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,590. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Kirkwood, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Kirkwood, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect the cost. Kirkwood's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kirkwood are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $14,580 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,730 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,025 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,465 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $36,050 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $41,780 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $47,655 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $53,676 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- 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 installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Kirkwood, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kirkwood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kirkwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.
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.