Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indianola, IA (2024 Update)
- Indianola Solar Installation Cost: $26,724
- 25-Year Savings: $24,634
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Indianola
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Indianola.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Indianola generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Indianola is around 9.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,724 for a solar installation, or $38,215 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 look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Indianola homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Indianola that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Indianola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,656 |
| 3 years | $-23,520 |
| 5 years | $-21,384 |
| 7 years | $-19,249 |
| 9 years | $-17,113 |
| 11 years | $-14,977 |
| 13 years | $-12,841 |
| 15 years | $-10,705 |
| 17 years | $-8,570 |
| 19 years | $-6,434 |
| 21 years | $-4,298 |
| 23 years | $-2,162 |
| 25 years | $-27 |
Top Solar Installers in Indianola
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Indianola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indianola
The cost of installing a solar system in Indianola can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Indianola average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Indianola, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Indianola homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Indianola, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $9,643 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $13,306 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $17,194 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $21,307 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $25,644 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $30,206 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $34,992 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $40,003 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
EcoWatch's Indianola, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Indianola?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $905.29 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.