Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sunset Hills, MO (Mar 2023)
- Sunset Hills Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $17,943
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sunset Hills
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sunset Hills.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sunset Hills typically cost about 2.59. The average Sunset Hills homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,108 with the federal tax credit, or $18,744 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Sunset Hills depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Sunset Hills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sunset Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,866 |
| 3 years | $-9,382 |
| 5 years | $-6,898 |
| 7 years | $-4,414 |
| 9 years | $-1,930 |
| 11 years | $554 |
| 13 years | $3,038 |
| 15 years | $5,522 |
| 17 years | $8,007 |
| 19 years | $10,491 |
| 21 years | $12,975 |
| 23 years | $15,459 |
| 25 years | $17,943 |
Top Solar Installers in Sunset Hills
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sunset Hills, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sunset Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sunset Hills
For many Sunset Hills homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sunset Hills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,590. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sunset Hills, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Sunset Hills' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $14,448 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,554 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $24,806 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,202 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $35,743 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $41,429 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $47,261 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $53,237 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Sunset Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sunset Hills, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sunset Hills?
This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sunset Hills?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sunset Hills. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $858.71 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Sunset Hills?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.