Solar Panel Cost Guide in Davenport, IA (2023 Update)
- Davenport Solar Installation Cost: $18,711
- 25-Year Savings: $22,952
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Davenport
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Davenport.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Davenport, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. The average Davenport homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,711 with the federal tax credit, or $26,757 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Davenport homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Davenport, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Davenport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,045 |
| 3 years | $-13,712 |
| 5 years | $-10,379 |
| 7 years | $-7,046 |
| 9 years | $-3,712 |
| 11 years | $-379 |
| 13 years | $2,954 |
| 15 years | $6,287 |
| 17 years | $9,620 |
| 19 years | $12,953 |
| 21 years | $16,286 |
| 23 years | $19,619 |
| 25 years | $22,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Davenport
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Davenport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Davenport
For many Davenport homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Davenport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain 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 costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Davenport, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Davenport homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Davenport, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Davenport have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $13,797 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $18,707 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $23,771 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $28,991 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $34,366 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $39,896 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $45,581 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $51,421 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Davenport, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Davenport?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Davenport?
You can't get solar panels for free in Davenport. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Davenport is currently $144,183, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,912 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Davenport is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Davenport?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.