Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eldridge, IA (Jan 2023)
- Eldridge Solar Installation Cost: $18,711
- 25-Year Savings: $22,382
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eldridge
We break down average solar pricing in Eldridge.
The average cost of a solar system in Eldridge is $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Eldridge is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,711 for a solar installation, or $13,846 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Eldridge find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Eldridge for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Eldridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,068 |
| 3 years | $-13,780 |
| 5 years | $-10,493 |
| 7 years | $-7,205 |
| 9 years | $-3,918 |
| 11 years | $-630 |
| 13 years | $2,657 |
| 15 years | $5,945 |
| 17 years | $9,232 |
| 19 years | $12,520 |
| 21 years | $15,807 |
| 23 years | $19,094 |
| 25 years | $22,382 |
Top Solar Installers in Eldridge
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Eldridge:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Eldridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eldridge
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Eldridge: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Eldridge, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Most solar companies in Eldridge have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Eldridge's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $13,443 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $18,234 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $23,180 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $28,282 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $33,538 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $38,950 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $44,517 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $50,239 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Eldridge, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Eldridge, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eldridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Eldridge is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Eldridge?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate 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 $851.41 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Eldridge?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.