Solar Panel Cost Guide in Independence, IA (2023 Update)
- Independence Solar Installation Cost: $18,867
- 25-Year Savings: $27,973
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Independence
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Independence.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Independence, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Independence is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,866 for a solar installation, or $26,978 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Independence homeowner. The cost 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. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Independence can save about $18,000 on their energy 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 Independence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,150 |
| 3 years | $-13,717 |
| 5 years | $-10,284 |
| 7 years | $-6,851 |
| 9 years | $-3,418 |
| 11 years | $15 |
| 13 years | $3,448 |
| 15 years | $6,881 |
| 17 years | $10,314 |
| 19 years | $13,747 |
| 21 years | $17,180 |
| 23 years | $20,613 |
| 25 years | $24,046 |
Top Solar Installers in Independence
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Independence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Independence
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why 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 greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, 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 looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Independence provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Independence, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $16,784 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $22,689 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $28,749 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $34,964 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $41,334 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $47,859 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $54,540 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $61,375 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Independence, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Independence, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Independence?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Independence?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Independence, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.