Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Louis, MO (2025 Update)
- St. Louis Solar Installation Cost: $17,065
- 25-Year Savings: $18,374
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Louis
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in St. Louis.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St. Louis, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average St. Louis homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,065 with the federal tax credit, or $24,403 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in St. Louis based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Louis see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Louis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,775 |
| 3 years | $-13,193 |
| 5 years | $-10,612 |
| 7 years | $-8,031 |
| 9 years | $-5,450 |
| 11 years | $-2,869 |
| 13 years | $-288 |
| 15 years | $2,293 |
| 17 years | $4,875 |
| 19 years | $7,456 |
| 21 years | $10,037 |
| 23 years | $12,618 |
| 25 years | $15,199 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Louis
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in St. Louis, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in St. Louis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Louis
Even though the average cost of a solar system in St. Louis is $17,065, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,370.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 have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Louis to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.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 more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in St. Louis, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $11,397 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $15,574 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $19,939 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $24,493 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $29,236 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $34,167 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $39,287 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $44,596 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in St. Louis, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
EcoWatch's St. Louis, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Louis?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in St. Louis is currently $171,687, so you can expect a value of about $7,039 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St. Louis 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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.