Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cedar Rapids, IA (2023 Update)
- Cedar Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $18,847
- 25-Year Savings: $29,741
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cedar Rapids
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cedar Rapids.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cedar Rapids, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $18,847 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Cedar Rapids can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cedar Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,904 |
| 3 years | $-13,017 |
| 5 years | $-9,130 |
| 7 years | $-5,243 |
| 9 years | $-1,355 |
| 11 years | $2,532 |
| 13 years | $6,419 |
| 15 years | $10,306 |
| 17 years | $14,193 |
| 19 years | $18,080 |
| 21 years | $21,967 |
| 23 years | $25,854 |
| 25 years | $29,741 |
Top Solar Installers in Cedar Rapids
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Cedar Rapids:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Cedar Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cedar Rapids
The cost of installing a solar system in Cedar Rapids can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cedar Rapids to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $17,904 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $24,182 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $30,615 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $37,204 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $43,947 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $50,846 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $57,900 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $65,108 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Cedar Rapids, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cedar Rapids?
The average cost of solar panels in Cedar Rapids is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value 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% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Cedar Rapids?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.