Solar Panel Cost Guide in Webster City, IA (2024 Update)
- Webster City Solar Installation Cost: $27,064
- 25-Year Savings: $24,909
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Webster City
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Webster City.
In Webster City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Webster City, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $27,064, or $38,702 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Webster City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,996 |
| 3 years | $-23,861 |
| 5 years | $-21,725 |
| 7 years | $-19,589 |
| 9 years | $-17,453 |
| 11 years | $-15,317 |
| 13 years | $-13,182 |
| 15 years | $-11,046 |
| 17 years | $-8,910 |
| 19 years | $-6,774 |
| 21 years | $-4,639 |
| 23 years | $-2,503 |
| 25 years | $-367 |
Top Solar Installers in Webster City
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Webster City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Webster City
For many Webster City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Webster City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Webster City to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Webster City, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 discount 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 | $9,619 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $13,275 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $17,155 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $21,259 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $25,588 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $30,142 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $34,920 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $39,923 | 14.0 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
EcoWatch's Webster City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Webster City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive 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 keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Webster City?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.