Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Plains, MO (2024 Update)
- West Plains Solar Installation Cost: $16,486
- 25-Year Savings: $19,796
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Plains
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in West Plains.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Plains typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $16,486 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Plains based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average West Plains homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in West Plains for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Plains
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,063 |
| 3 years | $-12,218 |
| 5 years | $-9,372 |
| 7 years | $-6,527 |
| 9 years | $-3,681 |
| 11 years | $-836 |
| 13 years | $2,010 |
| 15 years | $4,855 |
| 17 years | $7,701 |
| 19 years | $10,546 |
| 21 years | $13,392 |
| 23 years | $16,237 |
| 25 years | $19,083 |
Top Solar Installers in West Plains
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in West Plains, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 West Plains
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Plains
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in West Plains: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 around $3,370. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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
Most solar installers in West Plains offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. West Plains’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $13,154 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $17,916 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $22,867 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $28,006 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $33,335 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $38,851 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $44,557 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $50,452 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in West Plains, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
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 West Plains, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Plains?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Plains?
A solar panel system isn’t free in West Plains, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $929.14 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.