Solar Panel Cost Guide in Macon, MO (2023 Update)
- Macon Solar Installation Cost: $13,334
- 25-Year Savings: $24,710
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Macon
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Macon.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Macon, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.59 per watt. The average Macon homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,326 with the federal tax credit, or $19,056 before the 30% tax credit 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 quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Macon homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Macon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Macon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,208 |
| 3 years | $-12,954 |
| 5 years | $-12,700 |
| 7 years | $-12,447 |
| 9 years | $-12,193 |
| 11 years | $-11,940 |
| 13 years | $-11,686 |
| 15 years | $-11,432 |
| 17 years | $-11,179 |
| 19 years | $-10,925 |
| 21 years | $-10,671 |
| 23 years | $-10,418 |
| 25 years | $-10,164 |
Top Solar Installers in Macon
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels 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
See all of the solar companies in Macon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Macon
Though the average cost of a solar system in Macon is $13,326, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better 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 $2,590. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Macon homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce 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 clean energy solutions in Macon, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Macon are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $19,723 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $26,587 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $33,596 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $40,751 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $48,050 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $55,494 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $63,084 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $70,818 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Macon, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Macon?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Macon is currently $111,700, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,580 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Macon is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 install 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.