Solar Panel Cost Guide in University City, MO (2024 Update)
- University City Solar Installation Cost: $17,060
- 25-Year Savings: $18,719
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in University City
We break down average solar pricing in University City.
The average cost of a solar system in University City is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in University City, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,060, or $24,396 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in University City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,769 |
| 3 years | $-13,188 |
| 5 years | $-10,607 |
| 7 years | $-8,026 |
| 9 years | $-5,445 |
| 11 years | $-2,864 |
| 13 years | $-283 |
| 15 years | $2,298 |
| 17 years | $4,880 |
| 19 years | $7,461 |
| 21 years | $10,042 |
| 23 years | $12,623 |
| 25 years | $15,204 |
Top Solar Installers in University City
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 University City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University City
While the average cost of a solar system in University City is $17,060, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,370 per kilowatt in University City.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in University City, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in University City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $11,688 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,962 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $20,424 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $25,075 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $29,915 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $34,943 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $40,160 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $45,566 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 University City, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in University City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in University City?
A solar panel system isn’t free in University City, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $880.28 per year.
How long do solar panels last in University City?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.