Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rolla, MO (2024 Update)
- Rolla Solar Installation Cost: $16,871
- 25-Year Savings: $16,840
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rolla
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Rolla.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rolla typically cost about 3.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Rolla, the average price of going solar will be about $16,871 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Rolla homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Rolla for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Rolla
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,522 |
| 3 years | $-12,825 |
| 5 years | $-10,129 |
| 7 years | $-7,432 |
| 9 years | $-4,735 |
| 11 years | $-2,038 |
| 13 years | $659 |
| 15 years | $3,355 |
| 17 years | $6,052 |
| 19 years | $8,749 |
| 21 years | $11,446 |
| 23 years | $14,143 |
| 25 years | $16,840 |
Top Solar Installers in Rolla
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Rolla, we've 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 Rolla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rolla
The cost of installing a solar system in Rolla can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,370. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Rolla, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rolla homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Rolla, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $11,564 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,796 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $20,217 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $24,826 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $29,625 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $34,612 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $39,787 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $45,152 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Rolla, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rolla?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rolla?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rolla is currently $201,295, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,253 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rolla is a worthwhile investment.
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 uses 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 household 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.