Solar Panel Cost Guide in Osage, IA (Mar 2023)
- Osage Solar Installation Cost: $18,983
- 25-Year Savings: $26,748
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Osage
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Osage.
The average cost of a solar system in Osage is 2.77 per watt. Because a 9.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Osage, the average price of going solar will be about $18,983 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Osage depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Osage, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Osage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,154 |
| 3 years | $-13,495 |
| 5 years | $-9,837 |
| 7 years | $-6,178 |
| 9 years | $-2,520 |
| 11 years | $1,139 |
| 13 years | $4,797 |
| 15 years | $8,456 |
| 17 years | $12,114 |
| 19 years | $15,773 |
| 21 years | $19,431 |
| 23 years | $23,090 |
| 25 years | $26,748 |
Top Solar Installers in Osage
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
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
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 Osage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Osage
The cost of installing a solar system in Osage can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Osage, which can reduce, or in some cases completely 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 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Osage, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,921 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $21,538 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $27,310 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $33,237 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $39,320 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $45,557 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $51,950 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $58,498 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, 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.
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 Osage, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Osage?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Osage?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Osage?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.