Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake St. Louis, MO (2024 Update)
- Lake St. Louis Solar Installation Cost: $17,066
- 25-Year Savings: $16,170
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake St. Louis
We break down average solar pricing in Lake St. Louis.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lake St. Louis, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Lake St. Louis, the average price of going solar will be about $17,066 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lake St. Louis homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Lake St. Louis homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Lake St. Louis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,776 |
| 3 years | $-13,194 |
| 5 years | $-10,613 |
| 7 years | $-8,032 |
| 9 years | $-5,451 |
| 11 years | $-2,870 |
| 13 years | $-289 |
| 15 years | $2,292 |
| 17 years | $4,874 |
| 19 years | $7,455 |
| 21 years | $10,036 |
| 23 years | $12,617 |
| 25 years | $15,198 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake St. Louis
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Lake St. Louis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake St. Louis
The cost of installing a solar system in Lake St. Louis can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production 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 $3,370.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lake St. Louis, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Lake St. Louis homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Lake St. Louis, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $9,568 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $13,135 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $16,891 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $20,835 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $24,968 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $29,290 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $33,801 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $38,500 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Lake St. Louis, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake St. Louis?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake St. Louis 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lake St. Louis?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.