The Cost of Solar Panels
Anyone interested in adding solar panels to their home knows these systems result in energy savings and can generate a return on investment fast. However, it’s harder to pin down exactly how much a solar energy system costs upfront, what installation incentives exist in your area, and exactly how the system will pay for itself over time. This guide will break down all the elements that go into the total cost of a solar energy system so that you can feel more confident in your crucial investment.
What Goes Into the Cost of a Solar Energy System?
There’s much more to the cost of an energy system than the solar panels themselves. The total price includes the following expenses:
- Panels
- Inverters
- Mounting equipment
- Conduit
- Permit and HOA approvals
- Inspections
- Installation labor
It’s important to note that the most unpredictable element in the total cost of going solar is installation labor. Factors that alter the cost of labor include the make and model of the panels, the style and angle of your roof, the location of your home, whether you need new attic conduits installed, and a variety of other unique circumstances.
A quality solar installation company like Solera Energy will offer a comprehensive consultation that considers all the relevant factors and provides you with the most accurate quote possible before design and installation begin.
Interested in learning more about installing solar panels on your Missouri or Arkansas home? Our team of experts is standing by to answer your questions — call (866) 346-2009 today or reach out online!
Cost of Solar Panels in Missouri & Arkansas
Solera Energy is focused on making solar power accessible to homeowners in Missouri and Northwest Arkansas, so we are invested in making sure consumers know what fair pricing looks like. Take a look at the average costs of solar panels and local incentives below.
Missouri Solar Installation Cost
The average cost for installing solar panels in Missouri is $14,300 for a 5-kilowatt system. The price per watt is an average of $2.86, and the payback period is just over 11 and a half years. In terms of local incentives, homeowners should take advantage of these:
- Columbia Water & Light offers up to $625-per-kilowatt generation capacity for systems up to 10 kilowatts.
- Kansas City Power & Light uses net metering to pay up to 25 cents per watt of system power.
- Ameren Missouri and Liberty Utilities offer upfront rebates to homeowners who install a solar panel system, equaling 25 cents per watt. For an 8-kilowatt system, that’s $2,000 in savings.
- Missouri homeowners receive an exemption from property tax increases resulting from a solar installation.
Arkansas Solar Installation Cost
The average cost for installing a solar energy system in Arkansas is $13,000 for a 5-kilowatt system. This brings the cost per watt to an average of $2.60, with a payback period of just over 14 years. The most comprehensive incentive available to Arkansas solar owners is net metering, which follows these guidelines:
- All residential solar energy systems under 25 kilowatts are eligible for net metering, with homeowners able to carry over credits indefinitely.
Solera Energy is committed to ensuring you receive the best return on your solar panel investment. Call us at (866) 346-2009 to get started with a quote today!
The Federal Tax Incentive for Solar
In addition to any local incentives, homeowners should always take advantage of the Investment Tax Credit from the federal government. The federal residential solar energy credit allows homeowners to credit 26% of the cost of systems installed from 2020 to 2022 and 22% for systems installed during 2023.
Eligibility is restricted to homeowners who own their solar panel system outright, whether purchased with all cash or financed. Those who are leasing are not eligible, and the credit can only be claimed for the initial installation of the system. The tax credit applies to the following expenses related to the energy system:
- Solar photovoltaic panels.
- Contractor labor costs, including permits, inspections, assembly, and installation.
- Wiring, mounting equipment, inverters, and other balance-of-system equipment.
- Energy storage devices charged by the newly installed solar energy system panels.
- Sales tax on related expenses.
Taking advantage of the federal tax incentive sooner rather than later can save you thousands, as the incentive will be reduced for installations during 2023.
Manufacturer Rebates & Promotions
As the shift toward solar energy continues, manufacturers that want to remain competitive may offer rebates or promotions from time to time to encourage homeowners to make the switch. These rebates and promotions can be harder to track down than the federal tax credit and local incentives, so be sure to shop around and see what offers are available.
Solera Energy works hard to stay current on all manufacturer incentives so we can design the most cost-effective and powerful system available within your budget. Call us at (866) 346-2009 or reach out online now!
Saving Money on Utility Bills
Every homeowner who installs solar panels will reap the benefits of monthly utility bill savings. The amount you can save is dictated by a few factors like the energy production capacity of the system and how large your house is — but either way, you will see a decrease in utility bills. Additionally, you won’t be subject to the climbing costs of energy that fluctuate wildly depending on demand.
Saving Money With Net Metering
Net metering is an excellent way to save money if your area offers it. If you invest in a solar energy system that can produce more energy than your home requires, you can install a net meter programmed to send that excess energy back to the electrical grid, causing your electric meter to run in reverse.
In exchange for the excess energy, your utility will provide credits on your electricity bill that can be applied when the system does not produce the energy required to run your home — such as long rainy or cloudy periods or winter when days are shortest. Net metering can effectively eliminate electric bills year-round, minus any fees or surcharges applied by your utility company.
Maximize Solar Savings Potential With Solera Energy
Solera Energy is a top choice among Arkansas and Missouri homeowners for one simple reason: We do everything we can to ensure our customers get a tangible return on investment for residential solar systems by offering top-tier options at the best prices possible. We’ll find every incentive and rebate available to help you go solar without breaking the bank. We even provide flexible finance options and a premium referral program to make the switch that much easier.
Solera Energy is prepared to lend our skill and expertise if you’re ready to save with solar power. Call us at (866) 346-2009 or get started by contacting us online today.