Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hiawatha, IA (2023 Update)
- Hiawatha Solar Installation Cost: $18,847
- 25-Year Savings: $30,073
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hiawatha
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hiawatha.
The average cost of solar panels in Hiawatha is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hiawatha is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,847 for a solar installation, or $26,951 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Hiawatha based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Hiawatha homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Hiawatha, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hiawatha
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,890 |
| 3 years | $-12,977 |
| 5 years | $-9,063 |
| 7 years | $-5,149 |
| 9 years | $-1,236 |
| 11 years | $2,678 |
| 13 years | $6,591 |
| 15 years | $10,505 |
| 17 years | $14,419 |
| 19 years | $18,332 |
| 21 years | $22,246 |
| 23 years | $26,159 |
| 25 years | $30,073 |
Top Solar Installers in Hiawatha
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Hiawatha:
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 Hiawatha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hiawatha
For many Hiawatha homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hiawatha, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system 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 mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hiawatha average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hiawatha have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Hiawatha's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 discount 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 | $18,109 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $24,456 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $30,957 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $37,614 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $44,426 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $51,393 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $58,515 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $65,793 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Hiawatha, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hiawatha?
The average cost of solar panels in Hiawatha 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Hiawatha?
A solar panel system isn't free in Hiawatha, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hiawatha, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact 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 usage and the amount of 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 cover 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.