Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, IA (2024 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $26,760
- 25-Year Savings: $33,917
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Fairfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fairfield typically cost around 4.The average Fairfield homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,760 with the federal tax credit, or $38,267 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fairfield homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fairfield can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,044 |
| 3 years | $-21,611 |
| 5 years | $-18,178 |
| 7 years | $-14,745 |
| 9 years | $-11,312 |
| 11 years | $-7,879 |
| 13 years | $-4,446 |
| 15 years | $-1,013 |
| 17 years | $2,420 |
| 19 years | $5,853 |
| 21 years | $9,286 |
| 23 years | $12,719 |
| 25 years | $16,152 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Fairfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,010 per kilowatt in Fairfield.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fairfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Fairfield 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 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Fairfield, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $15,464 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $21,068 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $26,897 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $32,950 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $39,227 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $45,729 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $52,456 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $59,407 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Fairfield, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairfield?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fairfield?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Fairfield, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Fairfield?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.