Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hollister, MO (2024 Update)
- Hollister Solar Installation Cost: $16,411
- 25-Year Savings: $23,399
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hollister
We break down average solar pricing in Hollister.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hollister it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Hollister, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,411, or $23,468 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hollister
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,737 |
| 3 years | $-11,390 |
| 5 years | $-8,043 |
| 7 years | $-4,695 |
| 9 years | $-1,348 |
| 11 years | $1,999 |
| 13 years | $5,346 |
| 15 years | $8,693 |
| 17 years | $12,041 |
| 19 years | $15,388 |
| 21 years | $18,735 |
| 23 years | $22,082 |
| 25 years | $25,430 |
Top Solar Installers in Hollister
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hollister, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hollister
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hollister
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Hollister: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,370 per kilowatt in Hollister.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hollister, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hollister, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Hollister’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $16,339 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $22,163 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $28,175 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $34,376 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $40,766 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $47,345 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $54,112 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $61,068 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Hollister, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer 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 Hollister, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hollister?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hollister?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get 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 going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Hollister?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.