Solar Panel Cost Guide in Independence, IA (2024 Update)

  • Independence Solar Installation Cost: $27,312
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,973
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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 Independence

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Independence.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Independence typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $27,312 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Independence find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Independence for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Independence

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,596
3 years $-22,163
5 years $-18,730
7 years $-15,297
9 years $-11,864
11 years $-8,431
13 years $-4,998
15 years $-1,565
17 years $1,868
19 years $5,301
21 years $8,734
23 years $12,167
25 years $15,600

Top Solar Installers in Independence

When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Independence: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,010 per kilowatt in Independence.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Independence homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Independence, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater 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 names.

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 $11,367 15.2 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $15,606 14.9 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $20,069 14.6 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $24,756 14.3 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $29,668 14.0 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $34,804 13.7 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $40,166 13.4 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $45,751 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company 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:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Independence?

The average cost of solar panels in Independence 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Independence?

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

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Independence?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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.

Follow us