Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hiawatha, IA (2024 Update)
- Hiawatha Solar Installation Cost: $27,274
- 25-Year Savings: $30,080
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hiawatha
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hiawatha.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hiawatha generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Hiawatha is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,274 for a solar installation, or $39,002 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hiawatha homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hiawatha find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Hiawatha, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hiawatha
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,558 |
| 3 years | $-22,125 |
| 5 years | $-18,692 |
| 7 years | $-15,259 |
| 9 years | $-11,826 |
| 11 years | $-8,393 |
| 13 years | $-4,960 |
| 15 years | $-1,527 |
| 17 years | $1,906 |
| 19 years | $5,339 |
| 21 years | $8,772 |
| 23 years | $12,205 |
| 25 years | $15,638 |
Top Solar Installers in Hiawatha
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Hiawatha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hiawatha
There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Hiawatha, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Hiawatha know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $12,693 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,373 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,277 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,406 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $32,760 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $38,338 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $44,141 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $50,169 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Hiawatha, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hiawatha?
The average cost of solar panels in Hiawatha 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hiawatha?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Hiawatha?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.