Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waukon, IA (2025 Update)
- Waukon Solar Installation Cost: $27,702
- 25-Year Savings: $34,770
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waukon
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Waukon.
In Waukon, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Waukon, the average price of going solar will be about $27,702 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Waukon homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Waukon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waukon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,985 |
| 3 years | $-22,552 |
| 5 years | $-19,119 |
| 7 years | $-15,686 |
| 9 years | $-12,253 |
| 11 years | $-8,820 |
| 13 years | $-5,387 |
| 15 years | $-1,954 |
| 17 years | $1,479 |
| 19 years | $4,912 |
| 21 years | $8,345 |
| 23 years | $11,778 |
| 25 years | $15,211 |
Top Solar Installers in Waukon
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Waukon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waukon
While the average cost of a solar system in Waukon is $27,702, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,010. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Waukon homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Waukon, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,257 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $20,792 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $26,551 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $32,535 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $38,744 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $45,177 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $51,834 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $58,717 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Waukon, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Waukon?
The average cost of solar panels in Waukon 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Waukon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.