Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarinda, IA (2025 Update)
- Clarinda Solar Installation Cost: $26,108
- 25-Year Savings: $18,961
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarinda
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Clarinda.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clarinda it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.3-kW system would cost about $26,108 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Clarinda based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Clarinda
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-25,041 |
3 years | $-22,905 |
5 years | $-20,769 |
7 years | $-18,633 |
9 years | $-16,497 |
11 years | $-14,362 |
13 years | $-12,226 |
15 years | $-10,090 |
17 years | $-7,954 |
19 years | $-5,819 |
21 years | $-3,683 |
23 years | $-1,547 |
25 years | $589 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarinda
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Clarinda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarinda
There are many factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,010. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Clarinda, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Clarinda is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,349 | 18.3 years |
8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $8,915 | 18.0 years |
10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $11,705 | 17.6 years |
12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $14,720 | 17.3 years |
14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $17,959 | 16.9 years |
16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $21,423 | 16.6 years |
18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $25,111 | 16.2 years |
20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $29,024 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
EcoWatch's Clarinda, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarinda?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clarinda?
Solar panels aren’t free in Clarinda, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Clarinda?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.