Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Vernon, IA (2024 Update)
- Mount Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $27,274
- 25-Year Savings: $28,495
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Vernon
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Mount Vernon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mount Vernon generally cost around 4.Since a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Mount Vernon, the average price of going solar will be about $27,274 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Mount Vernon homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Mount Vernon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mount Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,558 |
| 3 years | $-22,125 |
| 5 years | $-18,692 |
| 7 years | $-15,259 |
| 9 years | $-11,826 |
| 11 years | $-8,393 |
| 13 years | $-4,960 |
| 15 years | $-1,527 |
| 17 years | $1,906 |
| 19 years | $5,339 |
| 21 years | $8,772 |
| 23 years | $12,205 |
| 25 years | $15,638 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Vernon
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Mount Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Vernon
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Mount Vernon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly 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 important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,010. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mount Vernon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mount Vernon to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Mount Vernon’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Mount Vernon are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,714 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $16,067 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $20,646 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $25,449 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $30,476 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $35,728 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $41,204 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $46,905 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Mount Vernon, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Vernon?
The average cost of solar panels in Mount Vernon 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mount Vernon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get 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.
Does Mount Vernon have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.