Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dubuque, IA (2024 Update)
- Dubuque Solar Installation Cost: $27,379
- 25-Year Savings: $30,497
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dubuque
We go over average solar pricing in Dubuque.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dubuque it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Dubuque is around 9.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,379 for a solar installation, or $39,152 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Dubuque homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Dubuque for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Dubuque
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,662 |
| 3 years | $-22,229 |
| 5 years | $-18,796 |
| 7 years | $-15,363 |
| 9 years | $-11,930 |
| 11 years | $-8,497 |
| 13 years | $-5,064 |
| 15 years | $-1,631 |
| 17 years | $1,802 |
| 19 years | $5,235 |
| 21 years | $8,668 |
| 23 years | $12,101 |
| 25 years | $15,534 |
Top Solar Installers in Dubuque
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Dubuque, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Dubuque
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dubuque
There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 about $4,010. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dubuque homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Dubuque, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Dubuque are more knowledgeable 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $12,879 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,620 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,587 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,778 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $33,194 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $38,834 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $44,699 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $50,788 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Dubuque, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dubuque?
The average cost of solar panels in Dubuque 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dubuque?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dubuque is currently $219,244, which means you can expect a value of about $8,989 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dubuque is a rewarding investment.
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 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 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.