Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, IA (2023 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $18,485
- 25-Year Savings: $33,917
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Fairfield.
In Fairfield, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fairfield, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,479, or $26,425 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairfield find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,310 |
| 3 years | $-17,961 |
| 5 years | $-17,612 |
| 7 years | $-17,262 |
| 9 years | $-16,913 |
| 11 years | $-16,564 |
| 13 years | $-16,214 |
| 15 years | $-15,865 |
| 17 years | $-15,516 |
| 19 years | $-15,166 |
| 21 years | $-14,817 |
| 23 years | $-14,468 |
| 25 years | $-14,118 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Fairfield, we've compiled 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 Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Fairfield, one of the most important 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 total cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fairfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairfield is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better 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 names.
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 | $20,881 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $28,151 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $35,577 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $43,157 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $50,893 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $58,784 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $66,830 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $75,031 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 many factors. Generally 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 above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fairfield?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.