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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Council Bluffs, most homeowners require a 9.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,334, or $37,658 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Council Bluffs homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

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

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Council Bluffs

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Council Bluffs

The cost of installing a solar system in Council Bluffs can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Council Bluffs, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Council Bluffs average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Council Bluffs offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Council Bluffs homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Council Bluffs, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 $6,633 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

There are many 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:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
  • 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 good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Council Bluffs, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Council Bluffs?

The average cost of solar panels in Council Bluffs is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as 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 Council Bluffs?

Solar panels aren’t free in Council Bluffs, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

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 can expect a value of about $8,087 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Council Bluffs is a worthwhile 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 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.

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