Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emmetsburg, IA (2024 Update)
- Emmetsburg Solar Installation Cost: $27,221
- 25-Year Savings: $24,327
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emmetsburg
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Emmetsburg.
In Emmetsburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $27,221 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Emmetsburg based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Emmetsburg homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Emmetsburg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Emmetsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-26,153 |
| 3 years | $-24,017 |
| 5 years | $-21,881 |
| 7 years | $-19,745 |
| 9 years | $-17,610 |
| 11 years | $-15,474 |
| 13 years | $-13,338 |
| 15 years | $-11,202 |
| 17 years | $-9,067 |
| 19 years | $-6,931 |
| 21 years | $-4,795 |
| 23 years | $-2,659 |
| 25 years | $-523 |
Top Solar Installers in Emmetsburg
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another good thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Emmetsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emmetsburg
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Emmetsburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,010 per kilowatt in Emmetsburg.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Emmetsburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Emmetsburg to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Emmetsburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Emmetsburg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Emmetsburg are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $9,170 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $12,675 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $16,405 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $20,360 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $24,539 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $28,943 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $33,572 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $38,425 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Emmetsburg, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Emmetsburg?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Emmetsburg?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Emmetsburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.