Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clear Lake, IA (2024 Update)
- Clear Lake Solar Installation Cost: $27,284
- 25-Year Savings: $30,344
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clear Lake
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Clear Lake.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clear Lake it’s 4 per watt.The average Clear Lake homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,284 with the federal tax credit, or $39,016 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Clear Lake homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clear Lake see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clear Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,567 |
| 3 years | $-22,134 |
| 5 years | $-18,701 |
| 7 years | $-15,268 |
| 9 years | $-11,835 |
| 11 years | $-8,402 |
| 13 years | $-4,969 |
| 15 years | $-1,536 |
| 17 years | $1,897 |
| 19 years | $5,330 |
| 21 years | $8,763 |
| 23 years | $12,196 |
| 25 years | $15,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Clear Lake
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Clear Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clear Lake
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher 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 $4,010.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Clear Lake provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence the cost. Clear Lake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $12,849 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,581 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,538 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,720 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $33,125 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $38,756 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $44,611 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $50,690 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind 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.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Clear Lake, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clear Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in Clear Lake is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.