Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scott City, MO (2023 Update)
- Scott City Solar Installation Cost: $12,927
- 25-Year Savings: $18,141
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scott City
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Scott City.
The average cost of a solar system in Scott City is 2.59 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Scott City, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,927, or $18,486 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Scott City find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Scott City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,684 |
| 3 years | $-9,199 |
| 5 years | $-6,713 |
| 7 years | $-4,228 |
| 9 years | $-1,742 |
| 11 years | $743 |
| 13 years | $3,228 |
| 15 years | $5,714 |
| 17 years | $8,199 |
| 19 years | $10,685 |
| 21 years | $13,170 |
| 23 years | $15,655 |
| 25 years | $18,141 |
Top Solar Installers in Scott City
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Scott City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scott City
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Scott City is $12,927, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Scott City, 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 power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Scott City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scott City to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. Scott City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Scott City know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $14,814 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $20,042 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,415 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,933 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $36,596 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $42,404 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $48,357 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $54,455 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Scott City, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scott City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient 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.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Scott City have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce 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.