Solar Panel Cost Guide in Des Moines, IA (2023 Update)
- Des Moines Solar Installation Cost: $18,498
- 25-Year Savings: $19,262
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Des Moines
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Des Moines.
In Des Moines, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs 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 around $18,498, or $26,452 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Des Moines based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Des Moines, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Des Moines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,988 |
| 3 years | $-13,967 |
| 5 years | $-10,946 |
| 7 years | $-7,925 |
| 9 years | $-4,905 |
| 11 years | $-1,884 |
| 13 years | $1,137 |
| 15 years | $4,158 |
| 17 years | $7,179 |
| 19 years | $10,199 |
| 21 years | $13,220 |
| 23 years | $16,241 |
| 25 years | $19,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Des Moines
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
There are several factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Des Moines, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $11,642 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,833 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,179 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,680 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,336 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $34,148 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $39,114 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $44,236 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Des Moines have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.