Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waverly, IA (2024 Update)

  • Waverly Solar Installation Cost: $27,441
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,881
  • Payback Period: 14.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waverly

See how much it might cost to go solar in Waverly.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Waverly typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Waverly is around 9.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,441 for a solar installation, or $39,241 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waverly find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Waverly, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Waverly

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,725
3 years $-22,292
5 years $-18,859
7 years $-15,426
9 years $-11,993
11 years $-8,560
13 years $-5,127
15 years $-1,694
17 years $1,739
19 years $5,172
21 years $8,605
23 years $12,038
25 years $15,471

Top Solar Installers in Waverly

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Waverly:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Waverly

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waverly

For many Waverly homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Waverly, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $4,010. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Waverly average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Waverly, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Waverly homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Waverly’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically 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 add-on services like electric car 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 $11,844 14.9 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $16,241 14.6 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $20,862 14.3 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $25,708 14.1 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $30,779 13.8 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $36,074 13.5 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $41,594 13.2 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $47,338 12.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Waverly, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • 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 large role in the company you opt for.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Waverly, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waverly?

This is a hard 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Waverly?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though 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 once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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