Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Clair, MO (2024 Update)
- St. Clair Solar Installation Cost: $16,974
- 25-Year Savings: $17,963
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Clair
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in St. Clair.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Clair typically cost around 3.The average St. Clair homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,974 with the federal tax credit, or $24,273 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in St. Clair can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in St. Clair for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in St. Clair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,683 |
| 3 years | $-13,102 |
| 5 years | $-10,521 |
| 7 years | $-7,940 |
| 9 years | $-5,358 |
| 11 years | $-2,777 |
| 13 years | $-196 |
| 15 years | $2,385 |
| 17 years | $4,966 |
| 19 years | $7,547 |
| 21 years | $10,128 |
| 23 years | $12,710 |
| 25 years | $15,291 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Clair
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in St. Clair, optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 St. Clair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Clair
There are a number of criteria that can influence 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require 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.The 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the St. Clair average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. St. Clair’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in St. Clair have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $11,137 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,226 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $19,505 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $23,972 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $28,628 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $33,472 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $38,505 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $43,727 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 St. Clair, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Clair?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Clair?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.