Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bolivar, MO (2024 Update)
- Bolivar Solar Installation Cost: $16,732
- 25-Year Savings: $18,396
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bolivar
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Bolivar.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bolivar, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bolivar is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,732 for a solar installation, or $23,927 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bolivar can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bolivar
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,362 |
| 3 years | $-12,623 |
| 5 years | $-9,884 |
| 7 years | $-7,144 |
| 9 years | $-4,405 |
| 11 years | $-1,666 |
| 13 years | $1,074 |
| 15 years | $3,813 |
| 17 years | $6,552 |
| 19 years | $9,292 |
| 21 years | $12,031 |
| 23 years | $14,770 |
| 25 years | $17,510 |
Top Solar Installers in Bolivar
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Bolivar:
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 Bolivar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bolivar
For many Bolivar homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bolivar, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of 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 solar panels in Bolivar, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bolivar, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $11,719 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $16,003 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $20,475 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $25,137 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $29,987 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $35,025 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $40,253 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $45,669 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Bolivar, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Bolivar, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bolivar?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bolivar?
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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bolivar?
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 offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Bolivar?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.