Solar Panel Cost Guide in Altoona, IA (2024 Update)
- Altoona Solar Installation Cost: $26,849
- 25-Year Savings: $-152
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Altoona
We break down average solar pricing in Altoona.
In Altoona, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Altoona, the average price of going solar will be about $26,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Altoona find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Altoona, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Altoona
| 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 Altoona
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Altoona
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Altoona
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Altoona: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
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 around $4,010. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Altoona to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Altoona, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has 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 | $8,087 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $11,232 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $14,602 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $18,196 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $22,014 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $26,057 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $30,325 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $34,817 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Altoona, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Altoona, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Altoona?
The average cost of solar panels in Altoona 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Altoona?
Solar panels aren’t free in Altoona, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Altoona, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.