Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maplewood, MO (2023 Update)
- Maplewood Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $18,723
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maplewood
We break down average solar pricing in Maplewood.
The average cost of a solar system in Maplewood is 2.59 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Maplewood, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,108, or $18,744 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Maplewood based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Maplewood find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Maplewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,835 |
| 3 years | $-9,288 |
| 5 years | $-6,742 |
| 7 years | $-4,195 |
| 9 years | $-1,649 |
| 11 years | $898 |
| 13 years | $3,444 |
| 15 years | $5,990 |
| 17 years | $8,537 |
| 19 years | $11,083 |
| 21 years | $13,630 |
| 23 years | $16,176 |
| 25 years | $18,723 |
Top Solar Installers in Maplewood
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Maplewood, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Maplewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maplewood
For many Maplewood homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Maplewood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,590. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Maplewood, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Maplewood is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Maplewood have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $15,095 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $20,417 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,884 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $31,496 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $37,253 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $43,155 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $49,202 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $55,394 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Maplewood, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Maplewood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Maplewood?
Solar panels aren't free in Maplewood, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Maplewood?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.