Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bettendorf, IA (2023 Update)
- Bettendorf Solar Installation Cost: $18,711
- 25-Year Savings: $20,872
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bettendorf
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Bettendorf.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bettendorf, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bettendorf, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,711, or $26,757 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bettendorf find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bettendorf
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,128 |
| 3 years | $-13,961 |
| 5 years | $-10,795 |
| 7 years | $-7,628 |
| 9 years | $-4,461 |
| 11 years | $-1,294 |
| 13 years | $1,872 |
| 15 years | $5,039 |
| 17 years | $8,206 |
| 19 years | $11,372 |
| 21 years | $14,539 |
| 23 years | $17,706 |
| 25 years | $20,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Bettendorf
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bettendorf
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bettendorf
Although the average cost of a solar system in Bettendorf is $18,711, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 nearly $2,770. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bettendorf, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bettendorf is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,505 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $16,983 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $21,617 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $26,405 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $31,349 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $36,448 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $41,702 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $47,111 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Bettendorf, 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:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Bettendorf, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bettendorf?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bettendorf?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bettendorf. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.