Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barnhart, MO (2024 Update)
- Barnhart Solar Installation Cost: $16,950
- 25-Year Savings: $18,255
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barnhart
We break down average solar pricing in Barnhart.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Barnhart it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $16,950 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Barnhart homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Barnhart, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Barnhart
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,660 |
| 3 years | $-13,079 |
| 5 years | $-10,498 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-5,335 |
| 11 years | $-2,754 |
| 13 years | $-173 |
| 15 years | $2,408 |
| 17 years | $4,989 |
| 19 years | $7,570 |
| 21 years | $10,152 |
| 23 years | $12,733 |
| 25 years | $15,314 |
Top Solar Installers in Barnhart
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Barnhart, we've compiled 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 Barnhart
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barnhart
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Barnhart: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 spend about $3,370 per kilowatt in Barnhart.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Barnhart to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices 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’re only able to 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Barnhart, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $11,401 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,579 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $19,945 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $24,500 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $29,244 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $34,177 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $39,298 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $44,609 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Barnhart, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Barnhart?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Barnhart?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.