Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cherokee, IA (2023 Update)
- Cherokee Solar Installation Cost: $18,653
- 25-Year Savings: $24,477
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cherokee
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cherokee.
The average cost of a solar system in Cherokee is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cherokee, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,653, or $26,674 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Cherokee homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Cherokee for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cherokee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,928 |
| 3 years | $-13,478 |
| 5 years | $-10,027 |
| 7 years | $-6,577 |
| 9 years | $-3,126 |
| 11 years | $324 |
| 13 years | $3,774 |
| 15 years | $7,225 |
| 17 years | $10,675 |
| 19 years | $14,126 |
| 21 years | $17,576 |
| 23 years | $21,026 |
| 25 years | $24,477 |
Top Solar Installers in Cherokee
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Cherokee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cherokee
The cost of installing a solar system in Cherokee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,770. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Cherokee average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cherokee to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cherokee homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Cherokee, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,813 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $20,060 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $25,463 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $31,021 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $36,735 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $42,603 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $48,626 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $54,805 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Cherokee, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cherokee?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.