Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charles City, IA (2024 Update)

  • Charles City Solar Installation Cost: $27,441
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,878
  • Payback Period: 15.0 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 Charles City

We go over average solar pricing in Charles City.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Charles City it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.8-kW system would cost about $27,441 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Charles City based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Charles City can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Charles City for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Charles City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,724
3 years $-22,291
5 years $-18,858
7 years $-15,425
9 years $-11,992
11 years $-8,559
13 years $-5,126
15 years $-1,693
17 years $1,740
19 years $5,173
21 years $8,606
23 years $12,039
25 years $15,472

Top Solar Installers in Charles City

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Charles City, 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 Charles City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charles City

There are several criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Charles City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Charles City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Charles City to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Charles City homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Charles City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 $4.17 $17,516 $10,615 15.6 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $14,602 15.3 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $18,814 15.0 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $23,251 14.7 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $27,912 14.4 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $32,797 14.1 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $37,908 13.8 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $43,242 13.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • 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: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.

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 Charles City, IA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charles City?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Charles City?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Charles City. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Charles City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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