Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decorah, IA (2023 Update)
- Decorah Solar Installation Cost: $19,106
- 25-Year Savings: $34,836
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decorah
We go over average solar pricing in Decorah.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Decorah, the average cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. The average Decorah homeowner needs a 9.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,099 with the federal tax credit, or $27,312 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Decorah based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Decorah can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Decorah, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Decorah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,389 |
| 3 years | $-13,956 |
| 5 years | $-10,523 |
| 7 years | $-7,090 |
| 9 years | $-3,657 |
| 11 years | $-224 |
| 13 years | $3,209 |
| 15 years | $6,642 |
| 17 years | $10,075 |
| 19 years | $13,508 |
| 21 years | $16,941 |
| 23 years | $20,374 |
| 25 years | $23,807 |
Top Solar Installers in Decorah
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Decorah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decorah
For many Decorah homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Decorah, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Decorah, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Decorah, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Decorah homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Decorah, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Decorah know more 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 end up saving you 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 | $20,747 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $27,973 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $35,354 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $42,890 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $50,582 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $58,428 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $66,429 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $74,586 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Decorah, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Decorah, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Decorah?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Decorah?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford 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 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,094.88 per year.
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 larger 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.