Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, MO (2025 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $17,060
- 25-Year Savings: $18,719
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Clayton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clayton, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Clayton is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,060 for a solar installation, or $24,396 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Clayton depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,769 |
| 3 years | $-13,188 |
| 5 years | $-10,607 |
| 7 years | $-8,026 |
| 9 years | $-5,445 |
| 11 years | $-2,864 |
| 13 years | $-283 |
| 15 years | $2,298 |
| 17 years | $4,880 |
| 19 years | $7,461 |
| 21 years | $10,042 |
| 23 years | $12,623 |
| 25 years | $15,204 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Clayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clayton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Clayton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Clayton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clayton to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $11,688 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,962 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $20,424 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $25,075 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $29,915 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $34,943 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $40,160 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $45,566 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
EcoWatch's Clayton, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clayton 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Clayton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Clayton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.