Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indianola, IA (2023 Update)
- Indianola Solar Installation Cost: $18,459
- 25-Year Savings: $24,634
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Indianola
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Indianola.
In Indianola, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Indianola, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,459, or $26,396 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Indianola homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Indianola for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Indianola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,736 |
| 3 years | $-13,288 |
| 5 years | $-9,841 |
| 7 years | $-6,393 |
| 9 years | $-2,946 |
| 11 years | $502 |
| 13 years | $3,949 |
| 15 years | $7,397 |
| 17 years | $10,844 |
| 19 years | $14,292 |
| 21 years | $17,739 |
| 23 years | $21,187 |
| 25 years | $24,634 |
Top Solar Installers in Indianola
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Indianola:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 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 most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Indianola. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Indianola average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Indianola provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Indianola, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,059 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $20,389 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $25,874 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $31,515 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $37,310 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $43,261 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $49,366 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $55,627 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 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 many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Indianola?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. 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 needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 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.