Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clive, IA (2025 Update)
- Clive Solar Installation Cost: $26,827
- 25-Year Savings: $19,228
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clive
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Clive.
In Clive, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Clive is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,827 for a solar installation, or $38,363 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Clive depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Clive homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clive
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,760 |
| 3 years | $-23,624 |
| 5 years | $-21,488 |
| 7 years | $-19,352 |
| 9 years | $-17,216 |
| 11 years | $-15,081 |
| 13 years | $-12,945 |
| 15 years | $-10,809 |
| 17 years | $-8,673 |
| 19 years | $-6,538 |
| 21 years | $-4,402 |
| 23 years | $-2,266 |
| 25 years | $-130 |
Top Solar Installers in Clive
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Clive, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Clive
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clive
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Clive: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $4,010. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clive, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clive, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Clive is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $6,189 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $8,702 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $11,438 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $14,400 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $17,586 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $20,996 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $24,631 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $28,491 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely 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: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 $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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Clive?
Solar panels aren’t free in Clive, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.