Solar Panel Cost Guide in Des Moines, IA (2024 Update)
- Des Moines Solar Installation Cost: $26,786
- 25-Year Savings: $19,256
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Des Moines
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Des Moines.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Des Moines it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $26,786 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Des Moines homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Des Moines homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Des Moines that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Des Moines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,718 |
| 3 years | $-23,583 |
| 5 years | $-21,447 |
| 7 years | $-19,311 |
| 9 years | $-17,175 |
| 11 years | $-15,040 |
| 13 years | $-12,904 |
| 15 years | $-10,768 |
| 17 years | $-8,632 |
| 19 years | $-6,497 |
| 21 years | $-4,361 |
| 23 years | $-2,225 |
| 25 years | $-89 |
Top Solar Installers in Des Moines
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're searching for a solar company in Des Moines, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Des Moines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Des Moines
Though the average cost of a solar system in Des Moines is $26,786, your final 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 crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Des Moines, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total 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 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 energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Des Moines average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Des Moines homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Des Moines homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Des Moines, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,226 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $8,750 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $11,499 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $14,472 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $17,671 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $21,093 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $24,740 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $28,612 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Des Moines, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Des Moines?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Des Moines?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 decreases 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.