Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sergeant Bluff, IA (2023 Update)
- Sergeant Bluff Solar Installation Cost: $26,700
- 25-Year Savings: $34,654
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sergeant Bluff
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sergeant Bluff.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sergeant Bluff, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt.The average Sergeant Bluff homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,440 with the federal tax credit, or $26,369 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Sergeant Bluff homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Sergeant Bluff that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sergeant Bluff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,632 |
| 3 years | $-23,497 |
| 5 years | $-21,361 |
| 7 years | $-19,225 |
| 9 years | $-17,089 |
| 11 years | $-14,954 |
| 13 years | $-12,818 |
| 15 years | $-10,682 |
| 17 years | $-8,546 |
| 19 years | $-6,410 |
| 21 years | $-4,275 |
| 23 years | $-2,139 |
| 25 years | $-3 |
Top Solar Installers in Sergeant Bluff
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sergeant Bluff, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Sergeant Bluff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sergeant Bluff
Though the average cost of a solar system in Sergeant Bluff is $18,440, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sergeant Bluff, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sergeant Bluff to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Sergeant Bluff, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $15,977 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $21,752 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $27,751 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $33,975 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $40,424 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $47,097 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $53,995 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $61,117 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly 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:
- 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sergeant Bluff?
The average cost of solar panels in Sergeant Bluff is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sergeant Bluff?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.