Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sergeant Bluff, IA (2023 Update)
- Sergeant Bluff Solar Installation Cost: $18,440
- 25-Year Savings: $34,658
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sergeant Bluff
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Sergeant Bluff.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sergeant Bluff generally cost around 2.77. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Sergeant Bluff, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,440, or $26,369 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Sergeant Bluff can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Sergeant Bluff for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sergeant Bluff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,316 |
| 3 years | $-12,068 |
| 5 years | $-7,820 |
| 7 years | $-3,573 |
| 9 years | $675 |
| 11 years | $4,923 |
| 13 years | $9,171 |
| 15 years | $13,419 |
| 17 years | $17,667 |
| 19 years | $21,914 |
| 21 years | $26,162 |
| 23 years | $30,410 |
| 25 years | $34,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Sergeant Bluff
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Sergeant Bluff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sergeant Bluff
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Sergeant Bluff provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sergeant Bluff is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access 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 | $21,393 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $28,835 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $36,431 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $44,183 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $52,090 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $60,152 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $68,369 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $76,741 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Sergeant Bluff, 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading over 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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Sergeant Bluff, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sergeant Bluff?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sergeant Bluff?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sergeant Bluff. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.