Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waukee, IA (2024 Update)
- Waukee Solar Installation Cost: $26,806
- 25-Year Savings: $19,986
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waukee
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Waukee.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Waukee, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Waukee is around 9.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,806 for a solar installation, or $38,333 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Waukee homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waukee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,738 |
| 3 years | $-23,602 |
| 5 years | $-21,466 |
| 7 years | $-19,330 |
| 9 years | $-17,195 |
| 11 years | $-15,059 |
| 13 years | $-12,923 |
| 15 years | $-10,787 |
| 17 years | $-8,652 |
| 19 years | $-6,516 |
| 21 years | $-4,380 |
| 23 years | $-2,244 |
| 25 years | $-108 |
Top Solar Installers in Waukee
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Waukee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waukee
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Waukee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Waukee, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Waukee average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Waukee homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Waukee’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $6,676 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $9,350 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $12,249 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $15,372 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $18,720 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $22,293 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $26,090 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $30,112 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Waukee?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Waukee. However, you may still be able to get 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.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.