Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clive, IA (2024 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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Clive generally cost around 4.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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Clive can save about $15,000 on their energy 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 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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 $26,827, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Clive, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Clive offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Clive is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
There are many 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:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 $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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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 afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clive is currently $400,002, so you can look forward to a value of about $16,400 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clive is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.