Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cedar Falls, IA (2024 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:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Cedar Falls

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Cedar Falls.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cedar Falls, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Cedar Falls, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $27,365, or $39,132 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Cedar Falls homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Cedar Falls

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cedar Falls

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Cedar Falls is $27,365, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Cedar Falls, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cedar Falls homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Cedar Falls, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 $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

There are many companies to choose from in Cedar Falls, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.

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 Cedar Falls, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install 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 actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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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