Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grinnell, IA (2024 Update)
- Grinnell Solar Installation Cost: $26,869
- 25-Year Savings: $29,488
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grinnell
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Grinnell.
In Grinnell, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,869 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Grinnell can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Grinnell that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Grinnell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,153 |
| 3 years | $-21,720 |
| 5 years | $-18,287 |
| 7 years | $-14,854 |
| 9 years | $-11,421 |
| 11 years | $-7,988 |
| 13 years | $-4,555 |
| 15 years | $-1,122 |
| 17 years | $2,311 |
| 19 years | $5,744 |
| 21 years | $9,177 |
| 23 years | $12,610 |
| 25 years | $16,043 |
Top Solar Installers in Grinnell
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Grinnell:
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 Grinnell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grinnell
There are several criteria that can affect your 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require 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 $4,010.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Grinnell average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Grinnell to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Grinnell homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more 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 discount 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 | $12,601 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,251 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,125 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,224 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $32,547 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $38,095 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $43,867 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $49,864 | 12.6 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Grinnell, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grinnell?
The average cost of solar panels in Grinnell 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Grinnell?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Grinnell, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.