Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bettendorf, IA (2024 Update)
- Bettendorf Solar Installation Cost: $27,096
- 25-Year Savings: $20,867
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bettendorf
We break down average solar pricing in Bettendorf.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bettendorf it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bettendorf is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,096 for a solar installation, or $38,747 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bettendorf find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bettendorf
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-26,028 |
| 3 years | $-23,892 |
| 5 years | $-21,756 |
| 7 years | $-19,621 |
| 9 years | $-17,485 |
| 11 years | $-15,349 |
| 13 years | $-13,213 |
| 15 years | $-11,077 |
| 17 years | $-8,942 |
| 19 years | $-6,806 |
| 21 years | $-4,670 |
| 23 years | $-2,534 |
| 25 years | $-399 |
Top Solar Installers in Bettendorf
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Bettendorf, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $7,088 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $9,900 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $12,937 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $16,198 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $19,683 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $23,393 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $27,328 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $31,487 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bettendorf?
The average cost of solar panels in Bettendorf 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 use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bettendorf?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.