Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emmetsburg, IA (2023 Update)
- Emmetsburg Solar Installation Cost: $18,808
- 25-Year Savings: $24,322
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emmetsburg
We break down average solar pricing in Emmetsburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Emmetsburg, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. The average Emmetsburg homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,808 with the federal tax credit, or $26,895 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Emmetsburg based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Emmetsburg see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emmetsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,083 |
| 3 years | $-13,633 |
| 5 years | $-10,182 |
| 7 years | $-6,732 |
| 9 years | $-3,281 |
| 11 years | $169 |
| 13 years | $3,619 |
| 15 years | $7,070 |
| 17 years | $10,520 |
| 19 years | $13,971 |
| 21 years | $17,421 |
| 23 years | $20,871 |
| 25 years | $24,322 |
Top Solar Installers in Emmetsburg
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Emmetsburg, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Emmetsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emmetsburg
The cost of installing a solar system in Emmetsburg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Emmetsburg, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,586 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $19,758 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $25,085 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $30,568 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $36,205 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $41,998 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $47,946 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $54,049 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 good 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 Emmetsburg, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Emmetsburg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Emmetsburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Emmetsburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.