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 June 24, 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.

In Carter Lake, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Carter Lake is around 9.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,334 for a solar installation, or $37,658 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Carter Lake depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Carter Lake homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Carter Lake for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Carter Lake

YearReturn 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

Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Carter Lake: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Carter Lake homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Carter Lake homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Carter Lake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.17$17,516$6,63318.1 years
8 kW$4.09$22,905$9,29317.8 years
10 kW$4.01$28,070$12,17817.4 years
12 kW$3.93$33,010$15,28717.1 years
14 kW$3.85$37,726$18,62116.7 years
16 kW$3.77$42,217$22,18016.4 years
18 kW$3.69$46,484$25,96316.0 years
20 kW$3.61$50,526$29,97015.7 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.

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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carter Lake?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carter Lake?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Carter Lake is currently $176,226, which means you can look forward to a value of about $7,225 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Carter Lake is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.