Solar Panel Cost Guide in Albia, IA (2024 Update)
- Albia Solar Installation Cost: $26,661
- 25-Year Savings: $30,556
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Albia
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Albia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Albia it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $26,661 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Albia depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Albia find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Albia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Albia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,945 |
| 3 years | $-21,512 |
| 5 years | $-18,079 |
| 7 years | $-14,646 |
| 9 years | $-11,213 |
| 11 years | $-7,780 |
| 13 years | $-4,347 |
| 15 years | $-914 |
| 17 years | $2,519 |
| 19 years | $5,952 |
| 21 years | $9,385 |
| 23 years | $12,818 |
| 25 years | $16,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Albia
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Albia, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 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 Albia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Albia
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Albia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Albia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Albia provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Albia, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $13,421 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $18,343 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $23,491 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $28,863 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $34,459 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $40,280 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $46,325 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $52,595 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 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 Albia, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Albia?
The average cost of solar panels in Albia is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,031.21 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.