Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waukee, IA (2023 Update)
- Waukee Solar Installation Cost: $18,517
- 25-Year Savings: $19,986
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waukee
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Waukee.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Waukee, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Waukee is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,517 for a solar installation, or $26,479 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Waukee homeowner. 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 average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waukee find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Waukee, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waukee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,449 |
| 3 years | $-15,313 |
| 5 years | $-13,177 |
| 7 years | $-11,041 |
| 9 years | $-8,906 |
| 11 years | $-6,770 |
| 13 years | $-4,634 |
| 15 years | $-2,498 |
| 17 years | $-363 |
| 19 years | $1,773 |
| 21 years | $3,909 |
| 23 years | $6,045 |
| 25 years | $8,181 |
Top Solar Installers in Waukee
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Waukee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waukee
The cost of installing a solar system in Waukee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,770. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Waukee average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Waukee to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Waukee, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $12,092 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $16,433 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,929 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $25,580 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $30,386 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $35,347 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $40,464 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $45,736 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Waukee, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Waukee?
The average cost of solar panels in Waukee 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Waukee?
A solar panel system isn't free in Waukee, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Waukee have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.