Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Louis, MI (2024 Update)
- St. Louis Solar Installation Cost: $17,489
- 25-Year Savings: $21,584
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Louis
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in St. Louis.
In St. Louis, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average St. Louis homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,489 with the federal tax credit, or $25,009 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of St. Louis homeowners. 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.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Louis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,235 |
| 3 years | $-13,728 |
| 5 years | $-11,220 |
| 7 years | $-8,713 |
| 9 years | $-6,206 |
| 11 years | $-3,698 |
| 13 years | $-1,191 |
| 15 years | $1,317 |
| 17 years | $3,824 |
| 19 years | $6,331 |
| 21 years | $8,839 |
| 23 years | $11,346 |
| 25 years | $13,854 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Louis
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a vetted solar company 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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in St. Louis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Louis
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Louis can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like St. Louis, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Louis to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout St. Louis, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,113 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,605 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,325 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,272 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,446 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,848 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,477 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,333 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in St. Louis, 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's St. Louis, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Louis?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Louis is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in St. Louis?
You can’t get solar panels for free in St. Louis. 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.
Is it worth going solar in St. Louis?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.