Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glenwood, IA (2024 Update)
- Glenwood Solar Installation Cost: $26,093
- 25-Year Savings: $19,735
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glenwood
We break down average solar pricing in Glenwood.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glenwood generally cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Glenwood, most homeowners require a 9.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,093, or $37,313 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Glenwood homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Glenwood see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Glenwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,026 |
| 3 years | $-22,890 |
| 5 years | $-20,754 |
| 7 years | $-18,618 |
| 9 years | $-16,482 |
| 11 years | $-14,347 |
| 13 years | $-12,211 |
| 15 years | $-10,075 |
| 17 years | $-7,939 |
| 19 years | $-5,804 |
| 21 years | $-3,668 |
| 23 years | $-1,532 |
| 25 years | $604 |
Top Solar Installers in Glenwood
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
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 in Glenwood:
See all of the solar companies in Glenwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenwood
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
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 gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Glenwood, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Glenwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $6,856 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $9,591 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $12,550 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $15,733 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $19,142 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $22,774 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $26,632 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $30,714 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
EcoWatch's Glenwood, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glenwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Glenwood 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Glenwood?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Glenwood. However, you may still be able to get 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.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly 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 a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 account for 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.