Solar Panel Cost Guide in Polk, MO (2024 Update)
- Polk Solar Installation Cost: $17,360
- 25-Year Savings: $26,776
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Polk
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Polk.
In Polk, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Polk, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,360, or $24,825 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Polk based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Polk homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Polk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,952 |
| 3 years | $-13,136 |
| 5 years | $-10,320 |
| 7 years | $-7,504 |
| 9 years | $-4,688 |
| 11 years | $-1,872 |
| 13 years | $944 |
| 15 years | $3,760 |
| 17 years | $6,576 |
| 19 years | $9,393 |
| 21 years | $12,209 |
| 23 years | $15,025 |
| 25 years | $17,841 |
Top Solar Installers in Polk
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Polk:
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 Polk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Polk
For many Polk homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Polk, 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Polk, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Polk homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Polk’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice 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 promotions 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 | $17,989 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $24,362 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $30,925 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $37,676 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $44,616 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $51,744 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $59,062 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $66,568 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Polk, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Polk?
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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Polk?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Polk. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Polk have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.