Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robins, IA (2023 Update)

  • Robins Solar Installation Cost: $18,840
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,080
  • Payback Period: 9.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Robins

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Robins.

In Robins, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Because a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Robins, the average price of going solar will be about $18,847 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Robins depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Robins

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,677
3 years $-18,351
5 years $-18,025
7 years $-17,699
9 years $-17,373
11 years $-17,046
13 years $-16,720
15 years $-16,394
17 years $-16,068
19 years $-15,742
21 years $-15,416
23 years $-15,090
25 years $-14,763

Top Solar Installers in Robins

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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 Robins

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robins

For many Robins homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Robins, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Robins, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $18,109 10.0 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $24,456 9.8 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $30,957 9.6 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $37,614 9.4 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $44,426 9.2 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $51,393 9.1 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $58,515 8.9 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $65,793 8.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Robins, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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 Robins, IA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Robins is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Robins is currently $198,155, which means you can expect a value of about $8,124 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Robins is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Robins?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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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