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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Humboldt
We break down average solar pricing in Humboldt.
The average cost of solar panels in Humboldt is 4 per watt.Because a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Humboldt, the average price of going solar will be about $27,141 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Humboldt find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Humboldt that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Humboldt: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Humboldt offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Humboldt, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $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
There are a lot of companies available in Humboldt, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 make sure you peruse their list of offerings 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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Humboldt?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
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 allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.