Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Charles, MO (2024 Update)
- St. Charles Solar Installation Cost: $17,066
- 25-Year Savings: $16,170
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Charles
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. Charles.
In St. Charles, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in St. Charles, the average price of going solar will be about $17,066 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in St. Charles can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in St. Charles for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in St. Charles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,776 |
| 3 years | $-13,194 |
| 5 years | $-10,613 |
| 7 years | $-8,032 |
| 9 years | $-5,451 |
| 11 years | $-2,870 |
| 13 years | $-289 |
| 15 years | $2,292 |
| 17 years | $4,874 |
| 19 years | $7,455 |
| 21 years | $10,036 |
| 23 years | $12,617 |
| 25 years | $15,198 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Charles
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in St. Charles, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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. Charles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Charles
While the average cost of a solar system in St. Charles is $17,066, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in St. Charles, 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in St. Charles, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for St. Charles homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout St. Charles, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $9,568 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $13,135 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $16,891 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $20,835 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $24,968 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $29,290 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $33,801 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $38,500 | 13.1 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. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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. Charles, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Charles?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 additional 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Charles?
A solar panel system isn’t free in St. Charles, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Charles?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.