Solar Panel Cost Guide in University City, MO (2024 Update)

  • University City Solar Installation Cost: $17,060
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,719
  • Payback Period: 13.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in University City

We break down average solar pricing in University City.

In University City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average University City homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,060 with the federal tax credit, or $24,396 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average University City homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in University City can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in University City, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in University City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,769
3 years $-13,188
5 years $-10,607
7 years $-8,026
9 years $-5,445
11 years $-2,864
13 years $-283
15 years $2,298
17 years $4,880
19 years $7,461
21 years $10,042
23 years $12,623
25 years $15,204

Top Solar Installers in University City

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 University City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University City

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in University City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many University City homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in University City, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in University City are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $11,688 13.9 years
8 kW $3.44 $19,249 $15,962 13.7 years
10 kW $3.37 $23,590 $20,424 13.4 years
12 kW $3.30 $27,742 $25,075 13.1 years
14 kW $3.24 $31,705 $29,915 12.9 years
16 kW $3.17 $35,479 $34,943 12.6 years
18 kW $3.10 $39,065 $40,160 12.3 years
20 kW $3.03 $42,462 $45,566 12.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 University City, MO Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in University City?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in University City?

You can’t get solar panels for free in University City. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $880.28 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 larger 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.

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