Solar Panel Cost Guide in Osage, IA (2024 Update)
- Osage Solar Installation Cost: $27,487
- 25-Year Savings: $26,743
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Osage
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Osage.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Osage typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Osage is around 9.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,487 for a solar installation, or $39,306 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Osage depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Osage find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Osage that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Osage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,771 |
| 3 years | $-22,338 |
| 5 years | $-18,905 |
| 7 years | $-15,472 |
| 9 years | $-12,039 |
| 11 years | $-8,606 |
| 13 years | $-5,173 |
| 15 years | $-1,740 |
| 17 years | $1,693 |
| 19 years | $5,126 |
| 21 years | $8,559 |
| 23 years | $11,992 |
| 25 years | $15,425 |
Top Solar Installers in Osage
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Osage, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Osage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Osage
There are several criteria that can determine your 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
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,010. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Osage, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Osage provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Osage, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $10,504 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $14,455 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $18,630 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $23,029 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $27,654 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $32,502 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $37,576 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $42,874 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
EcoWatch's Osage, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Osage?
The average cost of solar panels in Osage is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Osage?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Osage, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Osage is currently $179,336, so you can look forward to a value of about $7,353 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Osage is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 install 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.