Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Vernon, MO (2024 Update)
- Mount Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $16,577
- 25-Year Savings: $23,287
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Vernon
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mount Vernon.
The average cost of solar panels in Mount Vernon is 3 per watt.The average Mount Vernon homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,577 with the federal tax credit, or $23,705 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Mount Vernon based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Mount Vernon for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Mount Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,903 |
| 3 years | $-11,556 |
| 5 years | $-8,209 |
| 7 years | $-4,861 |
| 9 years | $-1,514 |
| 11 years | $1,833 |
| 13 years | $5,180 |
| 15 years | $8,528 |
| 17 years | $11,875 |
| 19 years | $15,222 |
| 21 years | $18,569 |
| 23 years | $21,916 |
| 25 years | $25,264 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Vernon
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Mount Vernon, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Mount Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Vernon
While the average cost of a solar system in Mount Vernon is $16,577, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Mount Vernon average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular 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.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mount Vernon is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better 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 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 | $16,041 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $21,766 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $27,679 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $33,781 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $40,072 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $46,551 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $53,219 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $60,076 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Mount Vernon, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Vernon?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 Mount Vernon is currently $190,542, which means you can expect a value of about $7,812 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mount Vernon is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Mount Vernon?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.