Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maplewood, MO (2024 Update)

  • Maplewood Solar Installation Cost: $17,060
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,719
  • Payback Period: 13.4 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 Maplewood

We go over average solar pricing in Maplewood.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Maplewood typically cost around 3.The average Maplewood homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,060 with the federal tax credit, or $24,396 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Maplewood homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Maplewood

Year Return 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 Maplewood

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Maplewood

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maplewood

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Maplewood: 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

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Maplewood average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Maplewood, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.50 $14,720 $11,688 13.9 years
8 kW $3.44 $19,249 $15,962 13.7 years
10 kW $3.37 $23,590 $20,424 13.4 years
12 kW $3.30 $27,742 $25,075 13.1 years
14 kW $3.24 $31,705 $29,915 12.9 years
16 kW $3.17 $35,479 $34,943 12.6 years
18 kW $3.10 $39,065 $40,160 12.3 years
20 kW $3.03 $42,462 $45,566 12.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Maplewood, MO Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Maplewood?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Maplewood?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Maplewood. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Maplewood?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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.

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