Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, IA (2023 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $18,606
- 25-Year Savings: $31,143
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
We go over average solar pricing in Jefferson.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Jefferson typically cost about 2.77. The average solar panel system size in Jefferson is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,614 for a solar installation, or $26,618 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Jefferson homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,889 |
| 3 years | $-13,456 |
| 5 years | $-10,023 |
| 7 years | $-6,590 |
| 9 years | $-3,157 |
| 11 years | $276 |
| 13 years | $3,709 |
| 15 years | $7,142 |
| 17 years | $10,575 |
| 19 years | $14,008 |
| 21 years | $17,441 |
| 23 years | $20,874 |
| 25 years | $24,307 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. 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.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
There are a number of factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 nearly $2,770. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Jefferson homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea 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
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Jefferson's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk 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 promotion 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $19,008 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $25,654 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $32,455 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $39,411 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $46,523 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $53,789 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $61,211 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $68,788 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Jefferson, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Jefferson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Jefferson. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Jefferson?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.