Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Joseph, MO (2023 Update)
- St. Joseph Solar Installation Cost: $13,196
- 25-Year Savings: $24,211
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Joseph
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in St. Joseph.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Joseph typically cost about 2.59. The average St. Joseph homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,199 with the federal tax credit, or $18,875 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Joseph see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in St. Joseph, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Joseph
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,788 |
| 3 years | $-8,972 |
| 5 years | $-6,156 |
| 7 years | $-3,340 |
| 9 years | $-524 |
| 11 years | $2,292 |
| 13 years | $5,108 |
| 15 years | $7,924 |
| 17 years | $10,740 |
| 19 years | $13,556 |
| 21 years | $16,372 |
| 23 years | $19,188 |
| 25 years | $22,004 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Joseph
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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. Joseph
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Joseph
Even though the average cost of a solar system in St. Joseph is $13,199, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,590 per kilowatt in St. Joseph. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Joseph to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that provides 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $19,523 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $26,320 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $33,263 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $40,351 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $47,583 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $54,961 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $62,484 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $70,152 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's St. Joseph, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Joseph?
This is a tough 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 be more expensive if you want other 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 it better to lease or buy solar panels in St. Joseph?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in St. Joseph?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.