Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kirkwood, MO (2024 Update)
- Kirkwood Solar Installation Cost: $17,060
- 25-Year Savings: $18,098
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kirkwood
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Kirkwood.
The average cost of a solar system in Kirkwood is 3 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Kirkwood, the average price of going solar will be about $17,060 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Kirkwood homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Kirkwood for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kirkwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,769 |
| 3 years | $-13,188 |
| 5 years | $-10,607 |
| 7 years | $-8,026 |
| 9 years | $-5,445 |
| 11 years | $-2,864 |
| 13 years | $-283 |
| 15 years | $2,298 |
| 17 years | $4,880 |
| 19 years | $7,461 |
| 21 years | $10,042 |
| 23 years | $12,623 |
| 25 years | $15,204 |
Top Solar Installers in Kirkwood
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Kirkwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,370 per kilowatt in Kirkwood.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this 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 Kirkwood homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence the cost. Kirkwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,173 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,274 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $19,565 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $24,044 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $28,712 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $33,568 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $38,614 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $43,848 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kirkwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Kirkwood is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Kirkwood have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.