Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trenton, MO (2023 Update)
- Trenton Solar Installation Cost: $13,416
- 25-Year Savings: $21,628
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trenton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Trenton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Trenton, the average cost of solar panels is 2.59 per watt. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Trenton, the average price of going solar will be about $13,416 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Trenton based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Trenton homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Trenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,014 |
| 3 years | $-9,211 |
| 5 years | $-6,407 |
| 7 years | $-3,604 |
| 9 years | $-800 |
| 11 years | $2,003 |
| 13 years | $4,807 |
| 15 years | $7,611 |
| 17 years | $10,414 |
| 19 years | $13,218 |
| 21 years | $16,021 |
| 23 years | $18,825 |
| 25 years | $21,628 |
Top Solar Installers in Trenton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Trenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trenton
The cost of installing a solar system in Trenton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Trenton average.
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 Trenton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Trenton is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $17,091 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $23,079 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $29,211 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $35,488 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $41,911 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $48,478 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $55,190 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $62,048 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Trenton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Trenton, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Trenton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Trenton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Trenton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Trenton have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 Trenton?
Even though 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 once you've had 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.