Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Liberty, IA (2023 Update)
- North Liberty Solar Installation Cost: $18,688
- 25-Year Savings: $26,512
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Liberty
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in North Liberty.
The average cost of solar panels in North Liberty is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in North Liberty, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,692, or $26,730 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Liberty find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Liberty
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,537 |
| 3 years | $-18,236 |
| 5 years | $-17,934 |
| 7 years | $-17,633 |
| 9 years | $-17,332 |
| 11 years | $-17,030 |
| 13 years | $-16,729 |
| 15 years | $-16,428 |
| 17 years | $-16,126 |
| 19 years | $-15,825 |
| 21 years | $-15,524 |
| 23 years | $-15,222 |
| 25 years | $-14,921 |
Top Solar Installers in North Liberty
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 North Liberty
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Liberty
Even though the average cost of a solar system in North Liberty is $18,692, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in North Liberty, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in North Liberty is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in North Liberty are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $16,039 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $21,696 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $27,508 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $33,475 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $39,597 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $45,874 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $52,307 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $58,894 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 North Liberty, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Liberty?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in North Liberty?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates 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 usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.