Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carroll, IA (2023 Update)
- Carroll Solar Installation Cost: $18,634
- 25-Year Savings: $28,305
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carroll
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Carroll.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carroll it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Carroll is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,634 for a solar installation, or $26,647 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
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 quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carroll
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,756 |
| 3 years | $-13,001 |
| 5 years | $-9,246 |
| 7 years | $-5,491 |
| 9 years | $-1,736 |
| 11 years | $2,019 |
| 13 years | $5,774 |
| 15 years | $9,529 |
| 17 years | $13,285 |
| 19 years | $17,040 |
| 21 years | $20,795 |
| 23 years | $24,550 |
| 25 years | $28,305 |
Top Solar Installers in Carroll
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Carroll
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carroll
There are several factors that can affect your 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 size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Carroll, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Carroll homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact the cost. Carroll's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,204 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $23,248 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $29,448 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $35,803 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $42,314 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $48,979 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $55,799 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $62,775 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Carroll, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carroll?
The average cost of solar panels in Carroll is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Carroll?
Solar panels aren't free in Carroll, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $976.77 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Carroll?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.