Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centralia, MO (2024 Update)
- Centralia Solar Installation Cost: $17,136
- 25-Year Savings: $19,893
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centralia
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Centralia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Centralia, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Centralia, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,136, or $24,504 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Centralia see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Centralia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Centralia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,845 |
| 3 years | $-13,264 |
| 5 years | $-10,683 |
| 7 years | $-8,102 |
| 9 years | $-5,521 |
| 11 years | $-2,940 |
| 13 years | $-359 |
| 15 years | $2,223 |
| 17 years | $4,804 |
| 19 years | $7,385 |
| 21 years | $9,966 |
| 23 years | $12,547 |
| 25 years | $15,128 |
Top Solar Installers in Centralia
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
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 Centralia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centralia
Cost is typically 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 Centralia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical 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 get 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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Centralia average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Centralia homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Centralia is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $12,589 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $17,163 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $21,925 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $26,877 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $32,017 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $37,345 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $42,863 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $48,569 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- 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 you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Centralia, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Centralia?
The average cost of solar panels in Centralia is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Centralia?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.