Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hampton, IA (2023 Update)
- Hampton Solar Installation Cost: $18,789
- 25-Year Savings: $27,918
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hampton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Hampton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hampton it's 2.77 per watt. Since a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Hampton, the average price of going solar will be about $18,789 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,921 |
| 3 years | $-13,184 |
| 5 years | $-9,447 |
| 7 years | $-5,711 |
| 9 years | $-1,974 |
| 11 years | $1,762 |
| 13 years | $5,499 |
| 15 years | $9,235 |
| 17 years | $12,972 |
| 19 years | $16,709 |
| 21 years | $20,445 |
| 23 years | $24,182 |
| 25 years | $27,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Hampton
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Hampton, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Hampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hampton
For many Hampton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hampton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Hampton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hampton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence the cost. Hampton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater 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 lower 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 | $16,822 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $22,739 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $28,812 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $35,039 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $41,422 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $47,960 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $54,653 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $61,501 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- 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 get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over 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 the company going out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Hampton, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hampton?
The average cost of solar panels in Hampton is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hampton?
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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home 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 a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Hampton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.