Solar Panel Cost Guide in Poteau, OK (2024 Update)

  • Poteau Solar Installation Cost: $19,232
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,451
  • Payback Period: 12.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Poteau

We break down average solar pricing in Poteau.

In Poteau, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.8-kW system would cost about $19,232 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Poteau homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Poteau can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Poteau, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Poteau

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,023
3 years $-15,605
5 years $-13,186
7 years $-10,768
9 years $-8,350
11 years $-5,931
13 years $-3,513
15 years $-1,095
17 years $1,324
19 years $3,742
21 years $6,160
23 years $8,578
25 years $10,997

Top Solar Installers in Poteau

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Poteau, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Poteau

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Poteau

For many Poteau homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Poteau, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Poteau, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,130 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Poteau, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Poteau provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Poteau’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Poteau have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $3.26 $13,672 $13,362 12.6 years
8 kW $3.19 $17,879 $18,167 12.4 years
10 kW $3.13 $21,910 $23,146 12.2 years
12 kW $3.07 $25,766 $28,302 11.9 years
14 kW $3.00 $29,447 $33,632 11.7 years
16 kW $2.94 $32,953 $39,138 11.4 years
18 kW $2.88 $36,283 $44,819 11.2 years
20 kW $2.82 $39,438 $50,675 10.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 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 $15,650 for a 5-kW system and $31,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Poteau?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Poteau have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.

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 decreases 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.

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