Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charleston, MO (2024 Update)

  • Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $16,710
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,844
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charleston

We go over average solar pricing in Charleston.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Charleston, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Charleston, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,710, or $23,895 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Charleston homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Charleston find going solar can pay off big.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Charleston

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,419
3 years $-12,838
5 years $-10,257
7 years $-7,676
9 years $-5,095
11 years $-2,513
13 years $68
15 years $2,649
17 years $5,230
19 years $7,811
21 years $10,392
23 years $12,973
25 years $15,555

Top Solar Installers in Charleston

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Charleston:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Charleston

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charleston

The cost of installing a solar system in Charleston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Charleston homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Charleston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 go with the 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 $11,272 14.2 years
8 kW $3.44 $19,249 $15,407 13.9 years
10 kW $3.37 $23,590 $19,731 13.6 years
12 kW $3.30 $27,742 $24,243 13.3 years
14 kW $3.24 $31,705 $28,944 13.1 years
16 kW $3.17 $35,479 $33,834 12.8 years
18 kW $3.10 $39,065 $38,912 12.5 years
20 kW $3.03 $42,462 $44,179 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Charleston, MO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charleston?

The average cost of solar panels in Charleston is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Charleston?

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 don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 it worth going solar in Charleston?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 generally 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.

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