Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tiffin, IA (2023 Update)
- Tiffin Solar Installation Cost: $18,692
- 25-Year Savings: $26,755
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tiffin
We break down average solar pricing in Tiffin.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tiffin, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Tiffin, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,692, or $26,730 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tiffin homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tiffin find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Tiffin for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tiffin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,874 |
| 3 years | $-13,238 |
| 5 years | $-9,603 |
| 7 years | $-5,967 |
| 9 years | $-2,331 |
| 11 years | $1,304 |
| 13 years | $4,940 |
| 15 years | $8,576 |
| 17 years | $12,212 |
| 19 years | $15,847 |
| 21 years | $19,483 |
| 23 years | $23,119 |
| 25 years | $26,755 |
Top Solar Installers in Tiffin
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Tiffin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tiffin
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Tiffin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,770. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Tiffin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tiffin to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much it costs. Tiffin's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $16,193 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $21,901 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $27,764 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $33,782 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $39,955 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $46,283 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $52,767 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $59,405 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Tiffin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Tiffin, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tiffin?
The average cost of solar panels in Tiffin 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tiffin?
Solar panels aren't free in Tiffin, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
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 $943.07 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Tiffin?
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 larger level 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.