Solar Panel Cost Guide in Poteau, OK (2023 Update)
- Poteau Solar Installation Cost: $16,103
- 25-Year Savings: $23,447
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Poteau
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Poteau.
In Poteau, solar panels cost about 2.62 per watt on average. The average Poteau homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,103 with the federal tax credit, or $23,027 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Poteau depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Poteau find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Poteau
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,521 |
| 3 years | $-11,357 |
| 5 years | $-8,193 |
| 7 years | $-5,029 |
| 9 years | $-1,865 |
| 11 years | $1,299 |
| 13 years | $4,463 |
| 15 years | $7,627 |
| 17 years | $10,791 |
| 19 years | $13,955 |
| 21 years | $17,119 |
| 23 years | $20,283 |
| 25 years | $23,447 |
Top Solar Installers in Poteau
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
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 Poteau
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Poteau
There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,620 per kilowatt in Poteau. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Poteau offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Poteau, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.72 | $11,444 | $15,590 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.67 | $14,965 | $21,080 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.62 | $18,340 | $26,716 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.57 | $21,568 | $32,500 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.52 | $24,649 | $38,430 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.46 | $27,583 | $44,507 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.41 | $30,371 | $50,730 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.36 | $33,012 | $57,101 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Poteau, OK Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Poteau?
The average cost of solar panels in Poteau is about $13,100 for a 5-kW system and $26,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Poteau?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger amount 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.