Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smithville, MO (2024 Update)
- Smithville Solar Installation Cost: $17,136
- 25-Year Savings: $18,843
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smithville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Smithville.
In Smithville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Smithville is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,136 for a solar installation, or $24,504 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Smithville find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Smithville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Smithville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,728 |
| 3 years | $-12,912 |
| 5 years | $-10,096 |
| 7 years | $-7,280 |
| 9 years | $-4,464 |
| 11 years | $-1,648 |
| 13 years | $1,168 |
| 15 years | $3,984 |
| 17 years | $6,800 |
| 19 years | $9,616 |
| 21 years | $12,432 |
| 23 years | $15,248 |
| 25 years | $18,064 |
Top Solar Installers in Smithville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Smithville, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Smithville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smithville
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,370 per kilowatt in Smithville.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Smithville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,721 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $16,006 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $20,479 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $25,141 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $29,992 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $35,031 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $40,260 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $45,677 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Smithville, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Smithville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Smithville have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 house 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.