Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decorah, IA (2024 Update)
- Decorah Solar Installation Cost: $27,658
- 25-Year Savings: $34,836
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decorah
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Decorah.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Decorah it’s 4 per watt.Since a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Decorah, the average price of going solar will be about $27,658 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Decorah can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Decorah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,942 |
| 3 years | $-22,509 |
| 5 years | $-19,076 |
| 7 years | $-15,643 |
| 9 years | $-12,210 |
| 11 years | $-8,777 |
| 13 years | $-5,344 |
| 15 years | $-1,911 |
| 17 years | $1,522 |
| 19 years | $4,955 |
| 21 years | $8,388 |
| 23 years | $11,821 |
| 25 years | $15,254 |
Top Solar Installers in Decorah
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
While the average cost of a solar system in Decorah is $27,658, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Decorah, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Decorah, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $15,331 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $20,890 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $26,674 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $32,683 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $38,916 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $45,373 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $52,055 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $58,962 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Decorah, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.