Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waukon, IA (2024 Update)
- Waukon Solar Installation Cost: $27,702
- 25-Year Savings: $34,770
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waukon
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Waukon.
In Waukon, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Waukon homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,702 with the federal tax credit, or $39,614 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Waukon can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Waukon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waukon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,985 |
| 3 years | $-22,552 |
| 5 years | $-19,119 |
| 7 years | $-15,686 |
| 9 years | $-12,253 |
| 11 years | $-8,820 |
| 13 years | $-5,387 |
| 15 years | $-1,954 |
| 17 years | $1,479 |
| 19 years | $4,912 |
| 21 years | $8,345 |
| 23 years | $11,778 |
| 25 years | $15,211 |
Top Solar Installers in Waukon
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Waukon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waukon
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Waukon: 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.The 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Waukon average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Waukon’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $15,257 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $20,792 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $26,551 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $32,535 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $38,744 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $45,177 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $51,834 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $58,717 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Waukon, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waukon?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Waukon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Waukon is currently $204,440, which means you can expect a value of about $8,382 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Waukon is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.