Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centerville, IA (2023 Update)
- Centerville Solar Installation Cost: $18,370
- 25-Year Savings: $34,340
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centerville
We go over average solar pricing in Centerville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Centerville generally cost about 2.77. The average Centerville homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,362 with the federal tax credit, or $26,258 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Centerville can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Centerville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Centerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,195 |
| 3 years | $-17,843 |
| 5 years | $-17,492 |
| 7 years | $-17,141 |
| 9 years | $-16,789 |
| 11 years | $-16,438 |
| 13 years | $-16,086 |
| 15 years | $-15,735 |
| 17 years | $-15,384 |
| 19 years | $-15,032 |
| 21 years | $-14,681 |
| 23 years | $-14,329 |
| 25 years | $-13,978 |
Top Solar Installers in Centerville
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Centerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centerville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Centerville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need 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 $2,770. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Centerville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Centerville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Centerville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Centerville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,282 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $28,686 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $36,246 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $43,960 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $51,830 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $59,855 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $68,035 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $76,370 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand 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 offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Centerville, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centerville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Centerville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Centerville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 cover 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.