Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centerville, IA (2024 Update)

  • Centerville Solar Installation Cost: $26,594
  • 25-Year Savings: $34,340
  • Payback Period: 12.6 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 Centerville

We go over average solar pricing in Centerville.

The average cost of solar panels in Centerville is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Centerville is around 9.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,594 for a solar installation, or $38,029 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Centerville depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Centerville find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Centerville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-24,878
3 years $-21,445
5 years $-18,012
7 years $-14,579
9 years $-11,146
11 years $-7,713
13 years $-4,280
15 years $-847
17 years $2,586
19 years $6,019
21 years $9,452
23 years $12,885
25 years $16,318

Top Solar Installers in Centerville

Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Centerville, therefore optimizing your ROI.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Centerville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Centerville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centerville

For many Centerville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Centerville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Centerville, 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Centerville average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Centerville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has 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 $4.17 $17,516 $15,866 13.1 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $21,604 12.9 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $27,566 12.6 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $33,753 12.4 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $40,164 12.1 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $46,800 11.9 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $53,661 11.6 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $60,746 11.4 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.

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 Centerville, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centerville?

The average cost of solar panels in Centerville 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Centerville?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Centerville. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

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 how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Centerville?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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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