Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlington, IA (2023 Update)
- Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $18,440
- 25-Year Savings: $31,753
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Burlington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Burlington it's 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $18,440 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Burlington homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Burlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,723 |
| 3 years | $-13,290 |
| 5 years | $-9,857 |
| 7 years | $-6,424 |
| 9 years | $-2,991 |
| 11 years | $442 |
| 13 years | $3,875 |
| 15 years | $7,308 |
| 17 years | $10,741 |
| 19 years | $14,174 |
| 21 years | $17,607 |
| 23 years | $21,040 |
| 25 years | $24,473 |
Top Solar Installers in Burlington
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burlington
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Burlington: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Burlington. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Burlington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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 Burlington offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Burlington, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $19,568 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $26,401 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $33,389 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $40,532 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $47,830 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $55,283 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $62,892 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $70,655 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Burlington, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burlington?
The average cost of solar panels in Burlington is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Burlington?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Burlington have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Burlington?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.