Solar Panel Cost Guide in DeWitt, IA (2024 Update)
- DeWitt Solar Installation Cost: $27,196
- 25-Year Savings: $31,981
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in DeWitt
We go over average solar pricing in DeWitt.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in DeWitt typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in DeWitt, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $27,196, or $38,890 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in DeWitt
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,479 |
| 3 years | $-22,046 |
| 5 years | $-18,613 |
| 7 years | $-15,180 |
| 9 years | $-11,747 |
| 11 years | $-8,314 |
| 13 years | $-4,881 |
| 15 years | $-1,448 |
| 17 years | $1,985 |
| 19 years | $5,418 |
| 21 years | $8,851 |
| 23 years | $12,284 |
| 25 years | $15,717 |
Top Solar Installers in DeWitt
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 DeWitt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in DeWitt
The cost of installing a solar system in DeWitt can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in DeWitt, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in DeWitt, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $13,924 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $19,014 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $24,329 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $29,869 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $35,633 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $41,622 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $47,835 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $54,273 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 DeWitt, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in DeWitt?
The average cost of solar panels in DeWitt is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in DeWitt?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.