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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Des Moines typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Des Moines, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,786, or $38,304 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Des Moines homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Des Moines find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
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
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Des Moines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Des Moines
The cost of installing a solar system in Des Moines can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,010 per kilowatt in Des Moines.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Des Moines provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Des Moines’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Des Moines know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $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 system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Des Moines, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Des Moines?
The average cost of solar panels in Des Moines is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Des Moines?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Des Moines?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Des Moines?
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.