Solar Panel Cost Guide in Osage, IA (2023 Update)
- Osage Solar Installation Cost: $18,988
- 25-Year Savings: $26,743
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Osage
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Osage.
The average cost of solar panels in Osage is 2.77 per watt. Because a 9.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs 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%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Osage homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Osage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,271 |
| 3 years | $-13,838 |
| 5 years | $-10,405 |
| 7 years | $-6,972 |
| 9 years | $-3,539 |
| 11 years | $-106 |
| 13 years | $3,327 |
| 15 years | $6,760 |
| 17 years | $10,193 |
| 19 years | $13,626 |
| 21 years | $17,059 |
| 23 years | $20,492 |
| 25 years | $23,925 |
Top Solar Installers in Osage
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
See all of the solar companies in Osage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Osage
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Osage: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Osage, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically 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 extra 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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 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.