Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kirkwood, MO (Mar 2023)
- Kirkwood Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $18,102
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kirkwood
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Kirkwood.
The average cost of solar panels in Kirkwood is 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Kirkwood, the average price of going solar will be about $13,108 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Kirkwood homeowners. The cost 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. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Kirkwood can save around $16,000 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 Kirkwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,860 |
| 3 years | $-9,363 |
| 5 years | $-6,866 |
| 7 years | $-4,369 |
| 9 years | $-1,873 |
| 11 years | $624 |
| 13 years | $3,121 |
| 15 years | $5,618 |
| 17 years | $8,114 |
| 19 years | $10,611 |
| 21 years | $13,108 |
| 23 years | $15,605 |
| 25 years | $18,102 |
Top Solar Installers in Kirkwood
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Kirkwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kirkwood
For many Kirkwood homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kirkwood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kirkwood have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Kirkwood, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk 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 | $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
There are a large number of companies available in Kirkwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Kirkwood, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kirkwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Kirkwood 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 like the type 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 Kirkwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Kirkwood?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Kirkwood?
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 once you've had 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.