Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emmetsburg, IA (2024 Update)
- Emmetsburg Solar Installation Cost: $27,221
- 25-Year Savings: $24,327
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emmetsburg
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Emmetsburg.
In Emmetsburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Emmetsburg is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,221 for a solar installation, or $38,926 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Emmetsburg find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Emmetsburg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Emmetsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-26,153 |
| 3 years | $-24,017 |
| 5 years | $-21,881 |
| 7 years | $-19,745 |
| 9 years | $-17,610 |
| 11 years | $-15,474 |
| 13 years | $-13,338 |
| 15 years | $-11,202 |
| 17 years | $-9,067 |
| 19 years | $-6,931 |
| 21 years | $-4,795 |
| 23 years | $-2,659 |
| 25 years | $-523 |
Top Solar Installers in Emmetsburg
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Emmetsburg, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Emmetsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emmetsburg
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Emmetsburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,010. 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Emmetsburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Emmetsburg, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Emmetsburg, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,170 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $12,675 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $16,405 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $20,360 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $24,539 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $28,943 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $33,572 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $38,425 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Emmetsburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Emmetsburg, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Emmetsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Emmetsburg 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Emmetsburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Emmetsburg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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.