Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waynesville, MO (2024 Update)
- Waynesville Solar Installation Cost: $16,830
- 25-Year Savings: $16,151
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waynesville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Waynesville.
In Waynesville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $16,830 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Waynesville homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waynesville find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Waynesville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Waynesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,580 |
| 3 years | $-13,081 |
| 5 years | $-10,581 |
| 7 years | $-8,082 |
| 9 years | $-5,582 |
| 11 years | $-3,082 |
| 13 years | $-583 |
| 15 years | $1,917 |
| 17 years | $4,416 |
| 19 years | $6,916 |
| 21 years | $9,416 |
| 23 years | $11,915 |
| 25 years | $14,415 |
Top Solar Installers in Waynesville
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Waynesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waynesville
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,370. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Waynesville to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Waynesville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Waynesville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,740 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $13,365 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $17,178 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $21,179 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $25,370 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $29,749 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $34,317 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $39,073 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Waynesville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Waynesville, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Waynesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Waynesville is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Waynesville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Waynesville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Waynesville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.