Solar Panel Cost Guide in Estherville, IA (2024 Update)
- Estherville Solar Installation Cost: $27,331
- 25-Year Savings: $28,294
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Estherville
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Estherville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Estherville, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $27,331 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Estherville can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Estherville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Estherville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,615 |
| 3 years | $-22,182 |
| 5 years | $-18,749 |
| 7 years | $-15,316 |
| 9 years | $-11,883 |
| 11 years | $-8,450 |
| 13 years | $-5,017 |
| 15 years | $-1,584 |
| 17 years | $1,849 |
| 19 years | $5,282 |
| 21 years | $8,715 |
| 23 years | $12,148 |
| 25 years | $15,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Estherville
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Estherville:
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 Estherville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Estherville
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Estherville is $27,331, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Estherville provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Estherville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,553 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $15,854 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $20,379 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $25,128 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $30,102 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $35,300 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $40,723 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $46,371 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 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 $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Estherville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Estherville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Estherville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 amount 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.