Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charles City, IA (2024 Update)
- Charles City Solar Installation Cost: $27,441
- 25-Year Savings: $26,878
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charles City
We go over average solar pricing in Charles City.
In Charles City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Charles City, most homeowners require a 9.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $27,441, or $39,241 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Charles City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Charles City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,724 |
| 3 years | $-22,291 |
| 5 years | $-18,858 |
| 7 years | $-15,425 |
| 9 years | $-11,992 |
| 11 years | $-8,559 |
| 13 years | $-5,126 |
| 15 years | $-1,693 |
| 17 years | $1,740 |
| 19 years | $5,173 |
| 21 years | $8,606 |
| 23 years | $12,039 |
| 25 years | $15,472 |
Top Solar Installers in Charles City
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Charles City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charles City
Though the average cost of a solar system in Charles City is $27,441, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Charles City, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Charles City to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Charles City is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $10,615 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $14,602 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $18,814 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $23,251 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $27,912 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $32,797 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $37,908 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $43,242 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Charles City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charles City?
The average cost of solar panels in Charles City 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Charles City?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Charles City, 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 can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Charles City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.