Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverside, MO (2024 Update)
- Riverside Solar Installation Cost: $17,138
- 25-Year Savings: $28,481
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverside
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Riverside.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Riverside generally cost about 3.Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Riverside, the average price of going solar will be about $17,138 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Riverside depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Riverside find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Riverside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,465 |
| 3 years | $-12,118 |
| 5 years | $-8,771 |
| 7 years | $-5,425 |
| 9 years | $-2,078 |
| 11 years | $1,269 |
| 13 years | $4,615 |
| 15 years | $7,962 |
| 17 years | $11,309 |
| 19 years | $14,655 |
| 21 years | $18,002 |
| 23 years | $21,348 |
| 25 years | $24,695 |
Top Solar Installers in Riverside
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Riverside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverside
There are many factors that can play into your 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Riverside average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Riverside offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise 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
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Riverside, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,680 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $26,617 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $33,744 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $41,058 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $48,562 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $56,254 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $64,135 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $72,205 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Riverside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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.
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 Riverside, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Riverside?
This is a difficult 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Riverside?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.