Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sunset Hills, MO (2023 Update)
- Sunset Hills Solar Installation Cost: $13,111
- 25-Year Savings: $17,939
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sunset Hills
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sunset Hills.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sunset Hills generally cost about 2.59. The average solar panel system size in Sunset Hills is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,108 for a solar installation, or $18,744 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sunset Hills can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Sunset Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,821 |
| 3 years | $-9,240 |
| 5 years | $-6,659 |
| 7 years | $-4,077 |
| 9 years | $-1,496 |
| 11 years | $1,085 |
| 13 years | $3,666 |
| 15 years | $6,247 |
| 17 years | $8,828 |
| 19 years | $11,409 |
| 21 years | $13,990 |
| 23 years | $16,572 |
| 25 years | $19,153 |
Top Solar Installers in Sunset Hills
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote 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
See all of the solar companies in Sunset Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sunset Hills
The cost of installing a solar system in Sunset Hills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,590. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Sunset Hills homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
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
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.