Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cherokee, IA (2024 Update)
- Cherokee Solar Installation Cost: $26,991
- 25-Year Savings: $24,485
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cherokee
We go over average solar pricing in Cherokee.
The average cost of solar panels in Cherokee is 4 per watt.To cover 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 $26,991, or $38,597 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Cherokee based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar 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 top solar company in Cherokee that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cherokee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,923 |
| 3 years | $-23,788 |
| 5 years | $-21,652 |
| 7 years | $-19,516 |
| 9 years | $-17,380 |
| 11 years | $-15,244 |
| 13 years | $-13,109 |
| 15 years | $-10,973 |
| 17 years | $-8,837 |
| 19 years | $-6,701 |
| 21 years | $-4,566 |
| 23 years | $-2,430 |
| 25 years | $-294 |
Top Solar Installers in Cherokee
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Cherokee is $26,991, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,010 per kilowatt in Cherokee.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cherokee, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cherokee, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cherokee homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $9,396 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $12,978 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $16,783 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $20,814 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $25,069 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $29,548 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $34,252 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $39,181 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Cherokee 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cherokee, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact 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 should find out how much energy your home requires 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.