Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hiawatha, IA (2024 Update)
- Hiawatha Solar Installation Cost: $27,274
- 25-Year Savings: $30,080
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hiawatha
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hiawatha.
In Hiawatha, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Hiawatha is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,274 for a solar installation, or $39,002 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hiawatha
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,558 |
| 3 years | $-22,125 |
| 5 years | $-18,692 |
| 7 years | $-15,259 |
| 9 years | $-11,826 |
| 11 years | $-8,393 |
| 13 years | $-4,960 |
| 15 years | $-1,527 |
| 17 years | $1,906 |
| 19 years | $5,339 |
| 21 years | $8,772 |
| 23 years | $12,205 |
| 25 years | $15,638 |
Top Solar Installers in Hiawatha
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Hiawatha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hiawatha
The cost of installing a solar system in Hiawatha can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends 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 price of solar panels in Hiawatha, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hiawatha homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Hiawatha’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,693 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,373 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,277 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,406 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $32,760 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $38,338 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $44,141 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $50,169 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Hiawatha, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hiawatha?
The average cost of solar panels in Hiawatha 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hiawatha?
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 don’t have access to 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.
Is it worth going solar in Hiawatha?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Hiawatha?
Even though 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 opt to replace them once you've had 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.