Solar Panel Cost Guide in Des Peres, MO (2024 Update)

  • Des Peres Solar Installation Cost: $17,060
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,098
  • Payback Period: 13.7 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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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Des Peres

We break down average solar pricing in Des Peres.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Des Peres is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Des Peres, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,060, or $24,396 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Des Peres, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Des Peres

YearReturn 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 Des Peres

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Des Peres

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Des Peres

For many Des Peres homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Des Peres, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Des Peres, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Des Peres homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea 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

The solar company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.50$14,720$11,17314.2 years
8 kW$3.44$19,249$15,27413.9 years
10 kW$3.37$23,590$19,56513.7 years
12 kW$3.30$27,742$24,04413.4 years
14 kW$3.24$31,705$28,71213.1 years
16 kW$3.17$35,479$33,56812.8 years
18 kW$3.10$39,065$38,61412.6 years
20 kW$3.03$42,462$43,84812.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Des Peres, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Des Peres, MO Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Des Peres?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Des Peres?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Des Peres is currently $599,463, so you can expect a value of about $24,578 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Des Peres is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Des Peres?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.