Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Liberty, IA (2023 Update)
- West Liberty Solar Installation Cost: $18,711
- 25-Year Savings: $29,717
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Liberty
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in West Liberty.
The average cost of a solar system in West Liberty is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in West Liberty is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,711 for a solar installation, or $26,757 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Liberty based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Liberty see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in West Liberty for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in West Liberty
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,774 |
| 3 years | $-12,900 |
| 5 years | $-9,026 |
| 7 years | $-5,151 |
| 9 years | $-1,277 |
| 11 years | $2,597 |
| 13 years | $6,471 |
| 15 years | $10,346 |
| 17 years | $14,220 |
| 19 years | $18,094 |
| 21 years | $21,969 |
| 23 years | $25,843 |
| 25 years | $29,717 |
Top Solar Installers in West Liberty
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in West Liberty, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 West Liberty
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Liberty
The cost of installing a solar system in West Liberty can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in West Liberty. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Liberty to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more 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 in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West Liberty, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in West Liberty have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 | $18,024 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $24,342 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $30,815 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $37,443 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $44,227 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $51,165 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $58,259 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $65,508 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in West Liberty, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 West Liberty, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Liberty?
The average cost of solar panels in West Liberty 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 certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Liberty, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in West Liberty?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.