Solar Panel Cost Guide in Adel, IA (2023 Update)
- Adel Solar Installation Cost: $18,517
- 25-Year Savings: $20,543
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Adel
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Adel.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Adel it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Adel is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,517 for a solar installation, or $26,479 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Adel homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Adel homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Adel, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Adel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,955 |
| 3 years | $-13,830 |
| 5 years | $-10,705 |
| 7 years | $-7,581 |
| 9 years | $-4,456 |
| 11 years | $-1,331 |
| 13 years | $1,794 |
| 15 years | $4,919 |
| 17 years | $8,044 |
| 19 years | $11,168 |
| 21 years | $14,293 |
| 23 years | $17,418 |
| 25 years | $20,543 |
Top Solar Installers in Adel
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Adel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Adel
The cost of installing a solar system in Adel can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Adel, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher 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 far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Adel to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Adel, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $12,442 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $16,900 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $21,512 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $26,280 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $31,203 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $36,281 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $41,514 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $46,903 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Adel, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Adel?
The average cost of solar panels in Adel is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Adel?
You can't get solar panels for free in Adel. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Adel, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 needs 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 house 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.