Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robins, IA (Mar 2023)
- Robins Solar Installation Cost: $18,847
- 25-Year Savings: $30,073
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Robins
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Robins.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Robins, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. The average Robins homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,847 with the federal tax credit, or $26,951 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Robins homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Robins homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Robins that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Robins
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,890 |
| 3 years | $-12,977 |
| 5 years | $-9,063 |
| 7 years | $-5,149 |
| 9 years | $-1,236 |
| 11 years | $2,678 |
| 13 years | $6,591 |
| 15 years | $10,505 |
| 17 years | $14,419 |
| 19 years | $18,332 |
| 21 years | $22,246 |
| 23 years | $26,159 |
| 25 years | $30,073 |
Top Solar Installers in Robins
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're searching for a solar company in Robins, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Robins
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robins
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Robins: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Robins, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
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. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Robins, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 a lot of companies available in Robins, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Robins, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Robins?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically 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.