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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Estherville, the average price of going solar will be about $27,331 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Estherville see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Estherville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Estherville

YearReturn 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 choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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See all of the solar companies in Estherville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Estherville

There are a number of criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Estherville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Estherville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Estherville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.17$17,516$11,55315.1 years
8 kW$4.09$22,905$15,85414.8 years
10 kW$4.01$28,070$20,37914.5 years
12 kW$3.93$33,010$25,12814.2 years
14 kW$3.85$37,726$30,10213.9 years
16 kW$3.77$42,217$35,30013.6 years
18 kW$3.69$46,484$40,72313.3 years
20 kW$3.61$50,526$46,37113.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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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 actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Estherville?

Solar panels aren’t free in Estherville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Estherville is currently $108,260, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,439 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Estherville is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.