Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlisle, IA (2023 Update)
- Carlisle Solar Installation Cost: $18,498
- 25-Year Savings: $19,262
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlisle
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Carlisle.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Carlisle, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. The average Carlisle homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,498 with the federal tax credit, or $26,452 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Carlisle homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Carlisle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carlisle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,988 |
| 3 years | $-13,967 |
| 5 years | $-10,946 |
| 7 years | $-7,925 |
| 9 years | $-4,905 |
| 11 years | $-1,884 |
| 13 years | $1,137 |
| 15 years | $4,158 |
| 17 years | $7,179 |
| 19 years | $10,199 |
| 21 years | $13,220 |
| 23 years | $16,241 |
| 25 years | $19,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlisle
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Carlisle, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Carlisle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlisle
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Carlisle: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Carlisle, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Carlisle offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Carlisle's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Carlisle know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $11,642 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,833 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,179 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,680 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,336 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $34,148 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $39,114 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $44,236 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Carlisle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 Carlisle, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carlisle?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Carlisle?
You can't get solar panels for free in Carlisle. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.