Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saylorville, IA (2023 Update)
- Saylorville Solar Installation Cost: $18,556
- 25-Year Savings: $25,317
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saylorville
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Saylorville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Saylorville, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Saylorville, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,556, or $26,535 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Saylorville homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Saylorville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,801 |
| 3 years | $-13,292 |
| 5 years | $-9,782 |
| 7 years | $-6,272 |
| 9 years | $-2,762 |
| 11 years | $748 |
| 13 years | $4,258 |
| 15 years | $7,767 |
| 17 years | $11,277 |
| 19 years | $14,787 |
| 21 years | $18,297 |
| 23 years | $21,807 |
| 25 years | $25,317 |
Top Solar Installers in Saylorville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Saylorville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saylorville
Though the average cost of a solar system in Saylorville is $18,556, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
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 a priority to accurately gauge 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 get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Saylorville is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $15,421 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $20,871 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $26,477 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $32,238 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $38,154 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $44,225 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $50,451 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $56,832 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Saylorville, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saylorville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Saylorville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $917.34 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Saylorville?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce 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.