Solar Panel Cost Guide in Polk, MO (2024 Update)
- Polk Solar Installation Cost: $17,360
- 25-Year Savings: $26,776
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Polk
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Polk.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Polk it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Polk, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,360, or $24,825 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Polk homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Polk homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Polk, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Polk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,952 |
| 3 years | $-13,136 |
| 5 years | $-10,320 |
| 7 years | $-7,504 |
| 9 years | $-4,688 |
| 11 years | $-1,872 |
| 13 years | $944 |
| 15 years | $3,760 |
| 17 years | $6,576 |
| 19 years | $9,393 |
| 21 years | $12,209 |
| 23 years | $15,025 |
| 25 years | $17,841 |
Top Solar Installers in Polk
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Polk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Polk
For many Polk homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Polk, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of 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 main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,370.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. 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 far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Polk homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Polk’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $17,989 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $24,362 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $30,925 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $37,676 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $44,616 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $51,744 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $59,062 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $66,568 | 9.7 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. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Polk, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Polk?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, 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 Polk?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Polk, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Polk have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.