Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windsor Heights, IA (2023 Update)
- Windsor Heights Solar Installation Cost: $18,547
- 25-Year Savings: $19,213
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windsor Heights
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Windsor Heights.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Windsor Heights typically cost about 2.77. The average Windsor Heights homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,556 with the federal tax credit, or $26,535 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Windsor Heights based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Windsor Heights can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Windsor Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Windsor Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,421 |
| 3 years | $-18,169 |
| 5 years | $-17,917 |
| 7 years | $-17,666 |
| 9 years | $-17,414 |
| 11 years | $-17,162 |
| 13 years | $-16,910 |
| 15 years | $-16,659 |
| 17 years | $-16,407 |
| 19 years | $-16,155 |
| 21 years | $-15,904 |
| 23 years | $-15,652 |
| 25 years | $-15,400 |
Top Solar Installers in Windsor Heights
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Windsor Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windsor Heights
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,770. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Windsor Heights, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Windsor Heights is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Windsor Heights are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $11,586 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,759 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,086 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,569 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,207 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,999 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $38,947 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $44,051 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Windsor Heights, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Windsor Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Windsor Heights 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Windsor Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Windsor Heights is currently $186,700, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,655 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Windsor Heights is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.