Solar Panel Cost Guide in Humboldt, IA (2024 Update)

  • Humboldt Solar Installation Cost: $27,141
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,012
  • Payback Period: 18.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Humboldt

We break down average solar pricing in Humboldt.

The average cost of a solar system in Humboldt is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Humboldt is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,141 for a solar installation, or $38,812 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Humboldt find going solar can be quite rewarding.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Humboldt

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-26,073
3 years $-23,937
5 years $-21,801
7 years $-19,666
9 years $-17,530
11 years $-15,394
13 years $-13,258
15 years $-11,122
17 years $-8,987
19 years $-6,851
21 years $-4,715
23 years $-2,579
25 years $-444

Top Solar Installers in Humboldt

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Humboldt

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Humboldt

For many Humboldt homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Humboldt, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Humboldt, 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Humboldt, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Humboldt homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Humboldt, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 extra 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 $5,916 18.7 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $8,337 18.3 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $10,982 18.0 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $13,853 17.6 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $16,947 17.3 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $20,267 16.9 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $23,810 16.5 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $27,579 16.2 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. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Humboldt, IA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Humboldt?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Humboldt?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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