Solar Panel Cost Guide in Osage, IA (2024 Update)
- Osage Solar Installation Cost: $27,487
- 25-Year Savings: $26,743
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Osage
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Osage.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Osage generally cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Osage, most homeowners require a 9.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $27,487, or $39,306 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Osage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,771 |
| 3 years | $-22,338 |
| 5 years | $-18,905 |
| 7 years | $-15,472 |
| 9 years | $-12,039 |
| 11 years | $-8,606 |
| 13 years | $-5,173 |
| 15 years | $-1,740 |
| 17 years | $1,693 |
| 19 years | $5,126 |
| 21 years | $8,559 |
| 23 years | $11,992 |
| 25 years | $15,425 |
Top Solar Installers in Osage
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Osage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Osage
Though the average cost of a solar system in Osage is $27,487, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Osage, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Osage, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Osage, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $10,504 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $14,455 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $18,630 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $23,029 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $27,654 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $32,502 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $37,576 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $42,874 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Osage, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Osage?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Osage?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Osage, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Osage is currently $179,336, so you can look forward to a value of about $7,353 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Osage is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.