Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whiteman AFB, MO (2024 Update)
- Whiteman AFB Solar Installation Cost: $16,970
- 25-Year Savings: $19,901
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whiteman AFB
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Whiteman AFB.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Whiteman AFB it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $16,970 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Whiteman AFB homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Whiteman AFB homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whiteman AFB
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,458 |
| 3 years | $-12,435 |
| 5 years | $-9,411 |
| 7 years | $-6,387 |
| 9 years | $-3,363 |
| 11 years | $-339 |
| 13 years | $2,684 |
| 15 years | $5,708 |
| 17 years | $8,732 |
| 19 years | $11,756 |
| 21 years | $14,779 |
| 23 years | $17,803 |
| 25 years | $20,827 |
Top Solar Installers in Whiteman AFB
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer 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 Whiteman AFB
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whiteman AFB
The cost of installing a solar system in Whiteman AFB 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 installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Whiteman AFB, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably 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 decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Whiteman AFB homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Whiteman AFB’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $12,756 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $17,386 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $22,204 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $27,211 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $32,406 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $37,791 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $43,364 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $49,126 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Whiteman AFB, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whiteman AFB?
The average cost of solar panels in Whiteman AFB is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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 be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.