Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Liberty, IA (2024 Update)
- West Liberty Solar Installation Cost: $27,077
- 25-Year Savings: $29,725
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Liberty
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Liberty.
The average cost of a solar system in West Liberty is 4 per watt.Because a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Liberty, the average price of going solar will be about $27,077 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average West Liberty homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in West Liberty, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Liberty
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,360 |
| 3 years | $-21,927 |
| 5 years | $-18,494 |
| 7 years | $-15,061 |
| 9 years | $-11,628 |
| 11 years | $-8,195 |
| 13 years | $-4,762 |
| 15 years | $-1,329 |
| 17 years | $2,104 |
| 19 years | $5,537 |
| 21 years | $8,970 |
| 23 years | $12,403 |
| 25 years | $15,836 |
Top Solar Installers in West Liberty
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar installer in West Liberty, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
See all of the solar companies in West Liberty
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Liberty
For many West Liberty homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Liberty, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in West Liberty, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Liberty, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,607 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,259 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,135 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,235 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $32,561 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $38,110 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $43,885 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $49,884 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Liberty?
The average cost of solar panels in West Liberty 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely 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 electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate 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 can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.