Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson City, MO (2024 Update)

  • Jefferson City Solar Installation Cost: $17,048
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,908
  • Payback Period: 12.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Jefferson City

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Jefferson City.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jefferson City it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $17,048 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Jefferson City depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

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 Jefferson City

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,758
3 years$-13,177
5 years$-10,596
7 years$-8,014
9 years$-5,433
11 years$-2,852
13 years$-271
15 years$2,310
17 years$4,891
19 years$7,472
21 years$10,054
23 years$12,635
25 years$15,216

Top Solar Installers in Jefferson City

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Jefferson City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson City

The cost of installing a solar system in Jefferson City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 Jefferson City.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Jefferson City provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.50$14,720$12,68613.4 years
8 kW$3.44$19,249$17,29213.2 years
10 kW$3.37$23,590$22,08712.9 years
12 kW$3.30$27,742$27,07112.7 years
14 kW$3.24$31,705$32,24312.4 years
16 kW$3.17$35,479$37,60412.1 years
18 kW$3.10$39,065$43,15411.9 years
20 kW$3.03$42,462$48,89211.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

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 Jefferson City, MO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jefferson City?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.