Solar Panel Cost Guide in Humboldt, IA (2023 Update)
- Humboldt Solar Installation Cost: $18,748
- 25-Year Savings: $19,012
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Humboldt
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Humboldt.
In Humboldt, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Humboldt is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,750 for a solar installation, or $26,812 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Humboldt homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Humboldt, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Humboldt
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,622 |
| 3 years | $-18,370 |
| 5 years | $-18,119 |
| 7 years | $-17,867 |
| 9 years | $-17,615 |
| 11 years | $-17,364 |
| 13 years | $-17,112 |
| 15 years | $-16,860 |
| 17 years | $-16,608 |
| 19 years | $-16,357 |
| 21 years | $-16,105 |
| 23 years | $-15,853 |
| 25 years | $-15,601 |
Top Solar Installers in Humboldt
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Humboldt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Humboldt
For many Humboldt homeowners, the decision to go solar 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 a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Humboldt, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Humboldt, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Humboldt, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $11,332 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,420 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,662 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,060 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,613 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,321 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $38,184 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $43,203 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have 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 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 Humboldt, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Humboldt?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Humboldt?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Humboldt?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.