Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boone, IA (2023 Update)
- Boone Solar Installation Cost: $18,537
- 25-Year Savings: $31,212
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boone
We break down average solar pricing in Boone.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Boone it's 2.77 per watt. Because a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Boone, the average price of going solar will be about $18,537 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Boone homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boone
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,547 |
| 3 years | $-12,567 |
| 5 years | $-8,587 |
| 7 years | $-4,607 |
| 9 years | $-627 |
| 11 years | $3,352 |
| 13 years | $7,332 |
| 15 years | $11,312 |
| 17 years | $15,292 |
| 19 years | $19,272 |
| 21 years | $23,252 |
| 23 years | $27,232 |
| 25 years | $31,212 |
Top Solar Installers in Boone
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Boone
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boone
There are several factors 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 system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Boone to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Boone homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Boone are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $19,122 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $25,806 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $32,645 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $39,640 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $46,789 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $54,094 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $61,554 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $69,169 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Boone, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over 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.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Boone, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Boone?
The average cost of solar panels in Boone is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Boone?
You can't get solar panels for free in Boone. 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 home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for 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 should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 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.