Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Robert, MO (2024 Update)
- St. Robert Solar Installation Cost: $16,830
- 25-Year Savings: $16,151
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Robert
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in St. Robert.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Robert generally cost around 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in St. Robert, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,830, or $24,067 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in St. Robert depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Robert
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,580 |
| 3 years | $-13,081 |
| 5 years | $-10,581 |
| 7 years | $-8,082 |
| 9 years | $-5,582 |
| 11 years | $-3,082 |
| 13 years | $-583 |
| 15 years | $1,917 |
| 17 years | $4,416 |
| 19 years | $6,916 |
| 21 years | $9,416 |
| 23 years | $11,915 |
| 25 years | $14,415 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Robert
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 St. Robert
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Robert
Although the average cost of a solar system in St. Robert is $16,830, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,370. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in St. Robert offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. St. Robert’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,740 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $13,365 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $17,178 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $21,179 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $25,370 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $29,749 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $34,317 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $39,073 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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.
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 St. Robert, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Robert?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Robert?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in St. Robert, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in St. Robert?
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 higher 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.