Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, IA (2025 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $26,935
- 25-Year Savings: $31,143
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Jefferson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jefferson, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,935 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Jefferson can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Jefferson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,218 |
| 3 years | $-21,785 |
| 5 years | $-18,352 |
| 7 years | $-14,919 |
| 9 years | $-11,486 |
| 11 years | $-8,053 |
| 13 years | $-4,620 |
| 15 years | $-1,187 |
| 17 years | $2,246 |
| 19 years | $5,679 |
| 21 years | $9,112 |
| 23 years | $12,545 |
| 25 years | $15,978 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total 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
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,010 per kilowatt in Jefferson.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. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Jefferson, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Jefferson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $13,591 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $18,571 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $23,775 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $29,204 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $34,857 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $40,735 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $46,837 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $53,164 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Jefferson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
EcoWatch's Jefferson, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Jefferson?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Jefferson. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Jefferson?
Solar panels can be a fruitful 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 energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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 household 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.