Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cotton Hill, MO (2024 Update)
- Cotton Hill Solar Installation Cost: $16,400
- 25-Year Savings: $20,630
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cotton Hill
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Cotton Hill.
In Cotton Hill, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Cotton Hill, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,400, or $23,452 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cotton Hill homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Cotton Hill can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cotton Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,110 |
| 3 years | $-12,529 |
| 5 years | $-9,948 |
| 7 years | $-7,366 |
| 9 years | $-4,785 |
| 11 years | $-2,204 |
| 13 years | $377 |
| 15 years | $2,958 |
| 17 years | $5,539 |
| 19 years | $8,120 |
| 21 years | $10,701 |
| 23 years | $13,283 |
| 25 years | $15,864 |
Top Solar Installers in Cotton Hill
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another advantage 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.
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 Cotton Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cotton Hill
For many Cotton Hill homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cotton Hill, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably 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 Cotton Hill, 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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cotton Hill average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cotton Hill homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cotton Hill is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Cotton Hill know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $13,962 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $18,994 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $24,214 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $29,623 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $35,220 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $41,007 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $46,982 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $53,146 | 11.1 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Cotton Hill, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cotton Hill?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cotton Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cotton Hill, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.