Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carroll, IA (2024 Update)
- Carroll Solar Installation Cost: $26,978
- 25-Year Savings: $28,303
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carroll
We go over average solar pricing in Carroll.
In Carroll, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,978 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Carroll can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carroll
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,910 |
| 3 years | $-23,774 |
| 5 years | $-21,639 |
| 7 years | $-19,503 |
| 9 years | $-17,367 |
| 11 years | $-15,231 |
| 13 years | $-13,096 |
| 15 years | $-10,960 |
| 17 years | $-8,824 |
| 19 years | $-6,688 |
| 21 years | $-4,552 |
| 23 years | $-2,417 |
| 25 years | $-281 |
Top Solar Installers in Carroll
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Carroll:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Carroll: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 about $4,010. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Carroll, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Carroll homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Carroll is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access 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 names.
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 | $11,787 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $16,166 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $20,768 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $25,596 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $30,648 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $35,924 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $41,425 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $47,151 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Carroll, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it 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 Carroll, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carroll?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Carroll?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Carroll. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.