Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clive, IA (2023 Update)
- Clive Solar Installation Cost: $18,532
- 25-Year Savings: $19,228
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clive
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Clive.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Clive is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $18,537 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Clive for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Clive
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,464 |
| 3 years | $-15,328 |
| 5 years | $-13,192 |
| 7 years | $-11,056 |
| 9 years | $-8,921 |
| 11 years | $-6,785 |
| 13 years | $-4,649 |
| 15 years | $-2,513 |
| 17 years | $-378 |
| 19 years | $1,758 |
| 21 years | $3,894 |
| 23 years | $6,030 |
| 25 years | $8,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Clive
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar company in Clive, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Clive
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clive
While the average cost of a solar system in Clive is $18,537, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,770. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Clive 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Clive, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,606 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,784 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,118 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,607 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,252 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $34,051 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $39,005 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $44,115 | 11.0 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Clive, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clive?
The average cost of solar panels in Clive is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clive?
You can't get solar panels for free in Clive. 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 will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.