Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castor, MO (2024 Update)
- Castor Solar Installation Cost: $16,654
- 25-Year Savings: $17,836
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Castor
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Castor.
In Castor, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Castor, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,654, or $23,815 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Castor based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Castor can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Castor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,364 |
| 3 years | $-12,782 |
| 5 years | $-10,201 |
| 7 years | $-7,620 |
| 9 years | $-5,039 |
| 11 years | $-2,458 |
| 13 years | $123 |
| 15 years | $2,704 |
| 17 years | $5,286 |
| 19 years | $7,867 |
| 21 years | $10,448 |
| 23 years | $13,029 |
| 25 years | $15,610 |
Top Solar Installers in Castor
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Castor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castor
There are a number of factors 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 installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Castor average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Castor provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Castor, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,316 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,465 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $19,803 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $24,330 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $29,046 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $33,950 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $39,043 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $44,325 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Castor, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Castor, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Castor?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Castor?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Castor?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.