Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cresco, IA (2024 Update)

  • Cresco Solar Installation Cost: $27,588
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,278
  • Payback Period: 12.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Cresco

We break down average solar pricing in Cresco.

In Cresco, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.8-kW system would cost about $27,588 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cresco homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Cresco homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cresco

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-25,872
3 years$-22,439
5 years$-19,006
7 years$-15,573
9 years$-12,140
11 years$-8,707
13 years$-5,274
15 years$-1,841
17 years$1,592
19 years$5,025
21 years$8,458
23 years$11,891
25 years$15,324

Top Solar Installers in Cresco

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Cresco:

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 Cresco

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cresco

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Cresco: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Cresco, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cresco average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Cresco offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Cresco are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.17$17,516$15,65413.2 years
8 kW$4.09$22,905$21,32212.9 years
10 kW$4.01$28,070$27,21312.7 years
12 kW$3.93$33,010$33,33012.4 years
14 kW$3.85$37,726$39,67112.2 years
16 kW$3.77$42,217$46,23611.9 years
18 kW$3.69$46,484$53,02611.7 years
20 kW$3.61$50,526$60,04111.4 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.

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 Cresco, IA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cresco?

The average cost of solar panels in Cresco 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cresco?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Is it worth going solar in Cresco?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Cresco?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.