Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlisle, IA (2024 Update)

  • Carlisle Solar Installation Cost: $26,786
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,256
  • Payback Period: 17.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlisle

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Carlisle.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carlisle it’s 4 per watt.Because a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Carlisle, the average price of going solar will be about $26,786 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Carlisle

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-25,718
3 years$-23,583
5 years$-21,447
7 years$-19,311
9 years$-17,175
11 years$-15,040
13 years$-12,904
15 years$-10,768
17 years$-8,632
19 years$-6,497
21 years$-4,361
23 years$-2,225
25 years$-89

Top Solar Installers in Carlisle

Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you're searching for a solar company in Carlisle, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

The cost of installing a solar system in Carlisle can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,010. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment 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 Carlisle to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.17$17,516$6,22618.4 years
8 kW$4.09$22,905$8,75018.1 years
10 kW$4.01$28,070$11,49917.7 years
12 kW$3.93$33,010$14,47217.4 years
14 kW$3.85$37,726$17,67117.0 years
16 kW$3.77$42,217$21,09316.7 years
18 kW$3.69$46,484$24,74016.3 years
20 kW$3.61$50,526$28,61216.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Carlisle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carlisle?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Carlisle is currently $268,313, so you can expect a value of about $11,001 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Carlisle is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.