Solar Panel Cost Guide in Muscatine, IA (Jan 2023)
- Muscatine Solar Installation Cost: $18,711
- 25-Year Savings: $26,266
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Muscatine
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Muscatine.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Muscatine it's $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Muscatine is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,711 for a solar installation, or $13,846 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Muscatine depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Muscatine can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Muscatine that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Muscatine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,912 |
| 3 years | $-13,314 |
| 5 years | $-9,716 |
| 7 years | $-6,118 |
| 9 years | $-2,520 |
| 11 years | $1,079 |
| 13 years | $4,677 |
| 15 years | $8,275 |
| 17 years | $11,873 |
| 19 years | $15,471 |
| 21 years | $19,069 |
| 23 years | $22,667 |
| 25 years | $26,266 |
Top Solar Installers in Muscatine
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Muscatine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Muscatine
For many Muscatine homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Muscatine, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Muscatine, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise 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 Muscatine homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Muscatine is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may come across 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $15,877 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $21,479 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $27,237 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $33,149 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $39,217 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $45,440 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $51,818 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $58,351 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Muscatine, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Muscatine?
The average cost of solar panels in Muscatine is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Muscatine?
You can't get solar panels for free in Muscatine. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Muscatine?
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 electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Muscatine?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.