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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Carroll, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Carroll homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,978 with the federal tax credit, or $38,579 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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 opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Carroll, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
For many Carroll homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carroll, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $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 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Carroll, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carroll?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Carroll, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Carroll?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.