Solar Panel Cost Guide in Platte City, MO (2024 Update)
- Platte City Solar Installation Cost: $17,138
- 25-Year Savings: $18,933
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Platte City
We go over average solar pricing in Platte City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Platte City generally cost about 3.The average Platte City homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,138 with the federal tax credit, or $24,507 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Platte City can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Platte City for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Platte City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,730 |
| 3 years | $-12,914 |
| 5 years | $-10,098 |
| 7 years | $-7,282 |
| 9 years | $-4,466 |
| 11 years | $-1,650 |
| 13 years | $1,166 |
| 15 years | $3,982 |
| 17 years | $6,798 |
| 19 years | $9,614 |
| 21 years | $12,431 |
| 23 years | $15,247 |
| 25 years | $18,063 |
Top Solar Installers in Platte City
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Platte City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Platte City
For many Platte City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Platte City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,370.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra 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 energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Platte City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Platte City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.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 because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $11,794 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $16,103 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $20,601 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $25,287 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $30,162 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $35,226 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $40,479 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $45,920 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Platte City, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Platte City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Platte City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Platte City?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Platte City?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.