Solar Panel Cost Guide in Herculaneum, MO (2024 Update)
- Herculaneum Solar Installation Cost: $16,950
- 25-Year Savings: $19,636
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Herculaneum
We break down average solar pricing in Herculaneum.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Herculaneum it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Herculaneum, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,950, or $24,238 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after 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 electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Herculaneum that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Herculaneum
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,660 |
| 3 years | $-13,079 |
| 5 years | $-10,498 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-5,335 |
| 11 years | $-2,754 |
| 13 years | $-173 |
| 15 years | $2,408 |
| 17 years | $4,989 |
| 19 years | $7,570 |
| 21 years | $10,152 |
| 23 years | $12,733 |
| 25 years | $15,314 |
Top Solar Installers in Herculaneum
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Herculaneum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Herculaneum
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Herculaneum: 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 price of a solar system in Herculaneum, 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 about $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Herculaneum offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence the cost. Herculaneum’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $12,554 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $17,116 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $21,867 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $26,806 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $31,934 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $37,251 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $42,757 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $48,451 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Herculaneum, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Herculaneum?
The average cost of solar panels in Herculaneum 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Herculaneum?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $909.13 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.