Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chariton, IA (2024 Update)
- Chariton Solar Installation Cost: $26,644
- 25-Year Savings: $29,826
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chariton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Chariton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chariton it’s 4 per watt.Because a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Chariton, the average price of going solar will be about $26,644 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 may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chariton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,927 |
| 3 years | $-21,494 |
| 5 years | $-18,061 |
| 7 years | $-14,628 |
| 9 years | $-11,195 |
| 11 years | $-7,762 |
| 13 years | $-4,329 |
| 15 years | $-896 |
| 17 years | $2,537 |
| 19 years | $5,970 |
| 21 years | $9,403 |
| 23 years | $12,836 |
| 25 years | $16,269 |
Top Solar Installers in Chariton
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Chariton, we've 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 Chariton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chariton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Chariton is $26,644, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Chariton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chariton is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,972 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,745 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,743 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,965 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $33,412 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $39,083 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $44,979 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $51,100 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Chariton, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chariton?
The average cost of solar panels in Chariton is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model 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 Chariton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Chariton have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 level 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.