Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Grove, MO (Mar 2023)
- Oak Grove Solar Installation Cost: $13,144
- 25-Year Savings: $18,593
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Grove
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Oak Grove.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oak Grove it's 2.59 per watt. The average Oak Grove homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,144 with the federal tax credit, or $18,796 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Oak Grove for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Oak Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,875 |
| 3 years | $-9,336 |
| 5 years | $-6,797 |
| 7 years | $-4,258 |
| 9 years | $-1,719 |
| 11 years | $820 |
| 13 years | $3,359 |
| 15 years | $5,898 |
| 17 years | $8,437 |
| 19 years | $10,976 |
| 21 years | $13,515 |
| 23 years | $16,054 |
| 25 years | $18,593 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Grove
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Oak Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Grove
There are a number of factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Oak Grove, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oak Grove to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,970 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $20,250 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,675 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $31,245 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $36,960 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $42,820 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $48,825 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $54,976 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Oak Grove, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oak Grove?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Oak Grove?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Oak Grove?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.