Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carter Lake, IA (2024 Update)

  • Carter Lake Solar Installation Cost: $26,334
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,569
  • Payback Period: 17.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Carter Lake

We break down average solar pricing in Carter Lake.

The average cost of solar panels in Carter Lake is 4 per watt.The average Carter Lake homeowner needs a 9.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,334 with the federal tax credit, or $37,658 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Carter Lake homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carter Lake find going solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Carter Lake that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Carter Lake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,267
3 years $-23,131
5 years $-20,995
7 years $-18,859
9 years $-16,723
11 years $-14,588
13 years $-12,452
15 years $-10,316
17 years $-8,180
19 years $-6,045
21 years $-3,909
23 years $-1,773
25 years $363

Top Solar Installers in Carter Lake

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Carter Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carter Lake

For many Carter Lake homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carter Lake, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,010 per kilowatt in Carter Lake.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect 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 increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Carter Lake, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Carter Lake, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.

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 $6,633 18.1 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $9,293 17.8 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $12,178 17.4 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $15,287 17.1 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $18,621 16.7 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $22,180 16.4 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $25,963 16.0 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $29,970 15.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Carter Lake, IA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carter Lake?

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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carter Lake?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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