Solar Panel Cost Guide in Newton, IA (2024 Update)

  • Newton Solar Installation Cost: $26,787
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,071
  • Payback Period: 13.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Newton

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Newton.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Newton, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Newton, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,787, or $38,305 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Newton find going solar has a decent ROI.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Newton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,070
3 years $-21,637
5 years $-18,204
7 years $-14,771
9 years $-11,338
11 years $-7,905
13 years $-4,472
15 years $-1,039
17 years $2,394
19 years $5,827
21 years $9,260
23 years $12,693
25 years $16,126

Top Solar Installers in Newton

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Newton:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Newton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Newton

There are many factors that can play into 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 system.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Newton average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Newton, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make 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’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Newton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 $13,025 14.3 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $17,816 14.1 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $22,831 13.8 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $28,071 13.5 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $33,535 13.2 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $39,224 13.0 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $45,138 12.7 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $51,276 12.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Even 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 what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Newton, IA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Newton?

The average cost of solar panels in Newton is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Newton?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Newton have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.

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