Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waukon, IA (Mar 2023)
- Waukon Solar Installation Cost: $19,138
- 25-Year Savings: $34,768
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waukon
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Waukon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Waukon it's 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Waukon, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,138, or $27,367 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Waukon homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Waukon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waukon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,982 |
| 3 years | $-12,669 |
| 5 years | $-8,357 |
| 7 years | $-4,044 |
| 9 years | $268 |
| 11 years | $4,580 |
| 13 years | $8,893 |
| 15 years | $13,205 |
| 17 years | $17,518 |
| 19 years | $21,830 |
| 21 years | $26,143 |
| 23 years | $30,455 |
| 25 years | $34,768 |
Top Solar Installers in Waukon
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 an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Waukon, we've compiled 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 Waukon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waukon
For many Waukon homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Waukon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in Waukon. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Waukon homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Waukon, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Waukon are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $20,673 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $27,875 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $35,231 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $42,743 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $50,410 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $58,232 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $66,209 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $74,341 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Waukon, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Waukon?
The average cost of solar panels in Waukon 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Waukon?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 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.