Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maquoketa, IA (2024 Update)
- Maquoketa Solar Installation Cost: $27,253
- 25-Year Savings: $29,103
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maquoketa
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Maquoketa.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Maquoketa, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Maquoketa, the average price of going solar will be about $27,253 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Maquoketa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Maquoketa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,537 |
| 3 years | $-22,104 |
| 5 years | $-18,671 |
| 7 years | $-15,238 |
| 9 years | $-11,805 |
| 11 years | $-8,372 |
| 13 years | $-4,939 |
| 15 years | $-1,506 |
| 17 years | $1,927 |
| 19 years | $5,360 |
| 21 years | $8,793 |
| 23 years | $12,226 |
| 25 years | $15,659 |
Top Solar Installers in Maquoketa
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Maquoketa, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Maquoketa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maquoketa
The cost of installing a solar system in Maquoketa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Maquoketa, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly 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. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Maquoketa, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $12,103 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $16,587 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $21,295 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $26,228 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $31,385 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $36,767 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $42,374 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $48,205 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job 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 locations 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
EcoWatch's Maquoketa, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Maquoketa?
The average cost of solar panels in Maquoketa is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Maquoketa is currently $182,158, so you can expect a value of about $7,468 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Maquoketa is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Maquoketa?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.