Solar Panel Cost Guide in Iowa Falls, IA (2024 Update)

  • Iowa Falls Solar Installation Cost: $27,074
  • 25-Year Savings: $29,920
  • Payback Period: 13.9 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

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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 Iowa Falls

We break down average solar pricing in Iowa Falls.

The average cost of a solar system in Iowa Falls is 4 per watt.Because a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Iowa Falls, the average price of going solar will be about $27,074 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Iowa Falls homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Iowa Falls

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,357
3 years $-21,924
5 years $-18,491
7 years $-15,058
9 years $-11,625
11 years $-8,192
13 years $-4,759
15 years $-1,326
17 years $2,107
19 years $5,540
21 years $8,973
23 years $12,406
25 years $15,839

Top Solar Installers in Iowa Falls

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Iowa Falls, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Iowa Falls

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Iowa Falls

Though the average cost of a solar system in Iowa Falls is $27,074, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Iowa Falls, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Iowa Falls, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries 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.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Iowa Falls’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Iowa Falls know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $12,730 14.5 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $17,423 14.2 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $22,340 13.9 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $27,482 13.6 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $32,848 13.4 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $38,439 13.1 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $44,254 12.8 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $50,294 12.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model 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 options before making your decision.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Iowa Falls, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Iowa Falls?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Iowa Falls?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Iowa Falls. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.

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