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.
In Maquoketa, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Maquoketa homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,253 with the federal tax credit, or $38,972 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
There are many factors that can influence your solar system 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Maquoketa, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Maquoketa, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Maquoketa homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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 varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt 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?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.