Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windsor Heights, IA (2024 Update)
- Windsor Heights Solar Installation Cost: $26,849
- 25-Year Savings: $19,213
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windsor Heights
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Windsor Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Windsor Heights it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,849 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Windsor Heights homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Windsor Heights can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Windsor Heights that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Windsor Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,781 |
| 3 years | $-23,646 |
| 5 years | $-21,510 |
| 7 years | $-19,374 |
| 9 years | $-17,238 |
| 11 years | $-15,103 |
| 13 years | $-12,967 |
| 15 years | $-10,831 |
| 17 years | $-8,695 |
| 19 years | $-6,559 |
| 21 years | $-4,424 |
| 23 years | $-2,288 |
| 25 years | $-152 |
Top Solar Installers in Windsor Heights
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer 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 Windsor Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windsor Heights
Though the average cost of a solar system in Windsor Heights is $26,849, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major 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 system you need for your household, 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 about $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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Windsor Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Windsor Heights to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $6,170 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $8,676 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $11,406 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $14,361 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $17,541 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $20,945 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $24,573 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $28,427 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
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 Windsor Heights, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Windsor Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Windsor Heights 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Windsor Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Is it worth going solar in Windsor Heights?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.