Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sheldon, IA (Feb 2023)
- Sheldon Solar Installation Cost: $18,731
- 25-Year Savings: $21,623
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sheldon
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Sheldon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sheldon generally cost about $3. Using this figure, a typical 9.7 would cost about $18,731 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sheldon find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Sheldon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,117 |
| 3 years | $-13,888 |
| 5 years | $-10,660 |
| 7 years | $-7,432 |
| 9 years | $-4,203 |
| 11 years | $-975 |
| 13 years | $2,253 |
| 15 years | $5,481 |
| 17 years | $8,710 |
| 19 years | $11,938 |
| 21 years | $15,166 |
| 23 years | $18,394 |
| 25 years | $21,623 |
Top Solar Installers in Sheldon
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar company in Sheldon, we've 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
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 Sheldon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sheldon
While the average cost of a solar system in Sheldon is $18,731, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in Sheldon. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sheldon have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $12,963 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,595 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,381 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $27,323 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $32,420 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $37,672 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $43,079 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $48,641 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Sheldon, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sheldon?
The average cost of solar panels in Sheldon 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sheldon?
A solar panel system isn't free in Sheldon, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Sheldon?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Sheldon?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.