Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Charles, MO (2023 Update)
- St. Charles Solar Installation Cost: $13,116
- 25-Year Savings: $16,170
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Charles
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Charles.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St. Charles is 2.59 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $13,108 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Charles see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in St. Charles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,019 |
| 3 years | $-12,823 |
| 5 years | $-12,628 |
| 7 years | $-12,433 |
| 9 years | $-12,238 |
| 11 years | $-12,042 |
| 13 years | $-11,847 |
| 15 years | $-11,652 |
| 17 years | $-11,457 |
| 19 years | $-11,261 |
| 21 years | $-11,066 |
| 23 years | $-10,871 |
| 25 years | $-10,676 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Charles
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in St. Charles, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in St. Charles:
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 St. Charles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Charles
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in St. Charles: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require 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 $2,590. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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. Also, if you want additional 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 power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many St. Charles homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in St. Charles, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $12,975 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $17,591 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $22,351 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $27,256 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $32,307 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $37,502 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $42,842 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $48,328 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's St. Charles, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Charles?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial 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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does St. Charles have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in St. Charles?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.