Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maquoketa, IA (2023 Update)
- Maquoketa Solar Installation Cost: $18,828
- 25-Year Savings: $29,102
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maquoketa
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Maquoketa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Maquoketa it's 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Maquoketa, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,828, or $26,924 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Maquoketa based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Maquoketa find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Maquoketa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Maquoketa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,911 |
| 3 years | $-13,076 |
| 5 years | $-9,242 |
| 7 years | $-5,407 |
| 9 years | $-1,573 |
| 11 years | $2,261 |
| 13 years | $6,096 |
| 15 years | $9,930 |
| 17 years | $13,764 |
| 19 years | $17,599 |
| 21 years | $21,433 |
| 23 years | $25,267 |
| 25 years | $29,102 |
Top Solar Installers in Maquoketa
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
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 in Maquoketa:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
For many Maquoketa homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Maquoketa, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 around $2,770. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Maquoketa to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Maquoketa, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $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 solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Maquoketa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.