Solar Panel Cost Guide in Webster City, IA (2024 Update)
- Webster City Solar Installation Cost: $27,064
- 25-Year Savings: $24,909
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Webster City
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Webster City.
In Webster City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Webster City, the average price of going solar will be about $27,064 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Webster City can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Webster City that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Webster City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,996 |
| 3 years | $-23,861 |
| 5 years | $-21,725 |
| 7 years | $-19,589 |
| 9 years | $-17,453 |
| 11 years | $-15,317 |
| 13 years | $-13,182 |
| 15 years | $-11,046 |
| 17 years | $-8,910 |
| 19 years | $-6,774 |
| 21 years | $-4,639 |
| 23 years | $-2,503 |
| 25 years | $-367 |
Top Solar Installers in Webster City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Webster City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Webster City
For many Webster City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Webster City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Webster City to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Webster City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers 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 | $9,619 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $13,275 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $17,155 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $21,259 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $25,588 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $30,142 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $34,920 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $39,923 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Webster City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Webster City?
The average cost of solar panels in Webster City 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.