Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cedar Falls, IA (2025 Update)
- Cedar Falls Solar Installation Cost: $27,365
- 25-Year Savings: $25,809
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cedar Falls
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Cedar Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cedar Falls it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cedar Falls is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,365 for a solar installation, or $39,132 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Cedar Falls depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cedar Falls find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cedar Falls
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-26,112 |
3 years | $-23,606 |
5 years | $-21,100 |
7 years | $-18,593 |
9 years | $-16,087 |
11 years | $-13,581 |
13 years | $-11,075 |
15 years | $-8,569 |
17 years | $-6,063 |
19 years | $-3,557 |
21 years | $-1,050 |
23 years | $1,456 |
25 years | $3,962 |
Top Solar Installers in Cedar Falls
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Cedar Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cedar Falls
For many Cedar Falls homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cedar Falls, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Cedar Falls, 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
Most solar companies in Cedar Falls offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Cedar Falls homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make 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 evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cedar Falls is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Cedar Falls know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $10,003 | 15.9 years |
8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $13,786 | 15.6 years |
10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $17,794 | 15.3 years |
12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $22,027 | 15.0 years |
14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $26,484 | 14.7 years |
16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $31,165 | 14.4 years |
18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $36,071 | 14.1 years |
20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $41,202 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
EcoWatch's Cedar Falls, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cedar Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Cedar Falls is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cedar Falls is currently $234,647, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,621 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cedar Falls is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.