Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northwoods, MO (2023 Update)
- Northwoods Solar Installation Cost: $13,111
- 25-Year Savings: $18,719
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northwoods
We go over average solar pricing in Northwoods.
In Northwoods, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average Northwoods homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,108 with the federal tax credit, or $18,744 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Northwoods homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northwoods
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,005 |
| 3 years | $-12,793 |
| 5 years | $-12,581 |
| 7 years | $-12,369 |
| 9 years | $-12,157 |
| 11 years | $-11,944 |
| 13 years | $-11,732 |
| 15 years | $-11,520 |
| 17 years | $-11,308 |
| 19 years | $-11,096 |
| 21 years | $-10,883 |
| 23 years | $-10,671 |
| 25 years | $-10,459 |
Top Solar Installers in Northwoods
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels 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
See all of the solar companies in Northwoods
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northwoods
There are many criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Northwoods, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment 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 many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Northwoods homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Northwoods homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Northwoods' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Northwoods have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Northwoods, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northwoods?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Northwoods?
Solar panels aren't free in Northwoods, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many 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 Northwoods?
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 larger 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.