Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Dodge, IA (2025 Update)
- Fort Dodge Solar Installation Cost: $27,029
- 25-Year Savings: $23,485
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Dodge
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Fort Dodge.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Dodge typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Fort Dodge is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,029 for a solar installation, or $38,651 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Fort Dodge based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fort Dodge can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Fort Dodge, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Dodge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,961 |
| 3 years | $-23,825 |
| 5 years | $-21,690 |
| 7 years | $-19,554 |
| 9 years | $-17,418 |
| 11 years | $-15,282 |
| 13 years | $-13,147 |
| 15 years | $-11,011 |
| 17 years | $-8,875 |
| 19 years | $-6,739 |
| 21 years | $-4,603 |
| 23 years | $-2,468 |
| 25 years | $-332 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Dodge
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Fort Dodge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Dodge
For many Fort Dodge homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Dodge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Dodge is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $8,752 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $12,118 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $15,709 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $19,524 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $23,564 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $27,829 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $32,318 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $37,031 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
EcoWatch's Fort Dodge, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Dodge?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Dodge 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Fort Dodge?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.