Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maquoketa, IA (2023 Update)
- Maquoketa Solar Installation Cost: $18,826
- 25-Year Savings: $29,103
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maquoketa
We break down average solar pricing in Maquoketa.
In Maquoketa, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Maquoketa is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,828 for a solar installation, or $26,924 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Maquoketa based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Maquoketa for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Maquoketa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,109 |
| 3 years | $-13,676 |
| 5 years | $-10,243 |
| 7 years | $-6,810 |
| 9 years | $-3,377 |
| 11 years | $56 |
| 13 years | $3,489 |
| 15 years | $6,922 |
| 17 years | $10,355 |
| 19 years | $13,788 |
| 21 years | $17,221 |
| 23 years | $20,654 |
| 25 years | $24,087 |
Top Solar Installers in Maquoketa
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Maquoketa:
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 Maquoketa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maquoketa
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Maquoketa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly 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, your total will most likely increase by about $2,770. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just 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 big investment. That's why many Maquoketa homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Maquoketa, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,520 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $23,670 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $29,975 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $36,436 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $43,051 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $49,822 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $56,748 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $63,829 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Maquoketa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Maquoketa, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Maquoketa?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Maquoketa?
You can't get solar panels for free in Maquoketa. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Maquoketa?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 how much 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.