Solar Panel Cost Guide in Estherville, IA (Mar 2023)
- Estherville Solar Installation Cost: $18,886
- 25-Year Savings: $28,288
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Estherville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Estherville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Estherville is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Estherville is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,886 for a solar installation, or $27,007 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Estherville homeowners. 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. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company 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 | $-16,999 |
| 3 years | $-13,225 |
| 5 years | $-9,451 |
| 7 years | $-5,677 |
| 9 years | $-1,903 |
| 11 years | $1,871 |
| 13 years | $5,645 |
| 15 years | $9,419 |
| 17 years | $13,192 |
| 19 years | $16,966 |
| 21 years | $20,740 |
| 23 years | $24,514 |
| 25 years | $28,288 |
Top Solar Installers in Estherville
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Estherville, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Estherville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Estherville
The cost of installing a solar system in Estherville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, more efficient panels 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 Estherville average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Estherville, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Estherville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Estherville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Estherville, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Estherville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Estherville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Estherville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.