Solar Panel Cost Guide in Estherville, IA (2023 Update)
- Estherville Solar Installation Cost: $18,880
- 25-Year Savings: $28,294
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Estherville
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Estherville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Estherville it's 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Estherville, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,886, or $27,007 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Estherville depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Estherville find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Estherville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,723 |
| 3 years | $-18,408 |
| 5 years | $-18,094 |
| 7 years | $-17,779 |
| 9 years | $-17,465 |
| 11 years | $-17,150 |
| 13 years | $-16,836 |
| 15 years | $-16,521 |
| 17 years | $-16,207 |
| 19 years | $-15,892 |
| 21 years | $-15,578 |
| 23 years | $-15,263 |
| 25 years | $-14,949 |
Top Solar Installers in Estherville
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Estherville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Estherville
For many Estherville homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Estherville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Estherville, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Estherville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $16,970 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $22,937 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $29,059 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $35,336 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $41,768 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $48,355 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $55,097 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $61,995 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Estherville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification 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.
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 Estherville, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Estherville?
The average cost of solar panels in Estherville 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Estherville have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.