Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cherokee, IA (2024 Update)
- Cherokee Solar Installation Cost: $26,991
- 25-Year Savings: $24,485
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cherokee
We go over average solar pricing in Cherokee.
In Cherokee, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Cherokee, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,991, or $38,597 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Cherokee can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cherokee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,923 |
| 3 years | $-23,788 |
| 5 years | $-21,652 |
| 7 years | $-19,516 |
| 9 years | $-17,380 |
| 11 years | $-15,244 |
| 13 years | $-13,109 |
| 15 years | $-10,973 |
| 17 years | $-8,837 |
| 19 years | $-6,701 |
| 21 years | $-4,566 |
| 23 years | $-2,430 |
| 25 years | $-294 |
Top Solar Installers in Cherokee
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Cherokee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cherokee
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Cherokee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cherokee homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Cherokee, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 additional services like electric car 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 | $9,396 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $12,978 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $16,783 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $20,814 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $25,069 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $29,548 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $34,252 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $39,181 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Cherokee, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cherokee?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind 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 Cherokee, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.