Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlington, IA (2024 Update)

  • Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $26,695
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,753
  • Payback Period: 13.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington

See how much it might cost to go solar in Burlington.

The average cost of a solar system in Burlington is 4 per watt.The average Burlington homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,695 with the federal tax credit, or $38,174 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Burlington find going solar has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Burlington for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Burlington

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-24,978
3 years $-21,545
5 years $-18,112
7 years $-14,679
9 years $-11,246
11 years $-7,813
13 years $-4,380
15 years $-947
17 years $2,486
19 years $5,919
21 years $9,352
23 years $12,785
25 years $16,218

Top Solar Installers in Burlington

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Burlington:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,010. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more 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 the initial cost of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Burlington homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Burlington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Burlington have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $14,152 13.8 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $19,318 13.6 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $24,709 13.3 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $30,324 13.0 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $36,164 12.8 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $42,229 12.5 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $48,518 12.2 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $55,031 12.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burlington?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value 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."

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 the average daily 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.

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