Solar Panel Cost Guide in Creston, IA (2024 Update)
- Creston Solar Installation Cost: $26,484
- 25-Year Savings: $32,111
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Creston
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Creston.
In Creston, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Creston is around 9.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,484 for a solar installation, or $37,872 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Creston for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Creston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,768 |
| 3 years | $-21,335 |
| 5 years | $-17,902 |
| 7 years | $-14,469 |
| 9 years | $-11,036 |
| 11 years | $-7,603 |
| 13 years | $-4,170 |
| 15 years | $-737 |
| 17 years | $2,696 |
| 19 years | $6,129 |
| 21 years | $9,562 |
| 23 years | $12,995 |
| 25 years | $16,428 |
Top Solar Installers in Creston
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Creston:
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Creston: 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 Creston, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Creston homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across 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 specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,538 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $19,834 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $25,353 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $31,098 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $37,067 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $43,260 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $49,678 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $56,321 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Creston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Creston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Creston?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.