Solar Panel Cost Guide in Creston, IA (2023 Update)
- Creston Solar Installation Cost: $18,304
- 25-Year Savings: $32,101
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Creston
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Creston.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Creston is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Creston is around 9.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,304 for a solar installation, or $26,175 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Creston homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Creston for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Creston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,288 |
| 3 years | $-12,256 |
| 5 years | $-8,223 |
| 7 years | $-4,191 |
| 9 years | $-158 |
| 11 years | $3,874 |
| 13 years | $7,907 |
| 15 years | $11,939 |
| 17 years | $15,972 |
| 19 years | $20,004 |
| 21 years | $24,036 |
| 23 years | $28,069 |
| 25 years | $32,101 |
Top Solar Installers in Creston
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Creston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Creston
The cost of installing a solar system in Creston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Creston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Creston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Creston have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Creston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Creston have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $19,955 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $26,917 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $34,033 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $41,306 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $48,733 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $56,315 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $64,052 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $71,945 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- 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 considerable role in the company you opt for.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Creston, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Creston?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Creston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Creston?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.