Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Vernon, IA (2023 Update)
- Mount Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $27,274
- 25-Year Savings: $28,495
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Vernon
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Mount Vernon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mount Vernon it's 2.77 per watt.The average Mount Vernon homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,847 with the federal tax credit, or $26,951 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Mount Vernon can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-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
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Mount Vernon is $18,847, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Mount Vernon, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
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. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It's wise to add 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
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Mount Vernon, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Mount Vernon have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mount Vernon?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mount Vernon. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Mount Vernon?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.