Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sheldon, IA (2024 Update)
- Sheldon Solar Installation Cost: $27,117
- 25-Year Savings: $21,622
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sheldon
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Sheldon.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sheldon, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Sheldon, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $27,117, or $38,777 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sheldon homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Sheldon see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Sheldon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sheldon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,400 |
| 3 years | $-21,967 |
| 5 years | $-18,534 |
| 7 years | $-15,101 |
| 9 years | $-11,668 |
| 11 years | $-8,235 |
| 13 years | $-4,802 |
| 15 years | $-1,369 |
| 17 years | $2,064 |
| 19 years | $5,497 |
| 21 years | $8,930 |
| 23 years | $12,363 |
| 25 years | $15,796 |
Top Solar Installers in Sheldon
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Sheldon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sheldon
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sheldon: 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
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,010. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $7,547 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $10,512 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $13,701 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $17,115 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $20,754 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $24,617 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $28,705 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $33,017 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Sheldon, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sheldon?
The average cost of solar panels in Sheldon 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sheldon?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Sheldon, 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 much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $835.43 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Sheldon?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.