Solar Panel Cost Guide in Council Bluffs, IA (2024 Update)
- Council Bluffs Solar Installation Cost: $26,334
- 25-Year Savings: $19,569
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Council Bluffs
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Council Bluffs.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Council Bluffs typically cost around 4.The average Council Bluffs homeowner needs a 9.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,334 with the federal tax credit, or $37,658 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Council Bluffs homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Council Bluffs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,267 |
| 3 years | $-23,131 |
| 5 years | $-20,995 |
| 7 years | $-18,859 |
| 9 years | $-16,723 |
| 11 years | $-14,588 |
| 13 years | $-12,452 |
| 15 years | $-10,316 |
| 17 years | $-8,180 |
| 19 years | $-6,045 |
| 21 years | $-3,909 |
| 23 years | $-1,773 |
| 25 years | $363 |
Top Solar Installers in Council Bluffs
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Council Bluffs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Council Bluffs
For many Council Bluffs homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Council Bluffs, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Council Bluffs average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Council Bluffs homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you 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 keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Council Bluffs is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $6,633 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $9,293 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $12,178 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $15,287 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $18,621 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $22,180 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $25,963 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $29,970 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
EcoWatch's Council Bluffs, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Council Bluffs?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Council Bluffs?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Council Bluffs. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Council Bluffs is currently $197,236, which means you could be looking at a value of about $8,087 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Council Bluffs is a fruitful investment.
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 higher 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.