Solar Panel Cost Guide in Iowa Falls, IA (2023 Update)
- Iowa Falls Solar Installation Cost: $18,711
- 25-Year Savings: $29,910
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Iowa Falls
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Iowa Falls.
In Iowa Falls, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average Iowa Falls homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,711 with the federal tax credit, or $26,757 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Iowa Falls can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Iowa Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,766 |
| 3 years | $-12,877 |
| 5 years | $-8,987 |
| 7 years | $-5,097 |
| 9 years | $-1,208 |
| 11 years | $2,682 |
| 13 years | $6,572 |
| 15 years | $10,462 |
| 17 years | $14,351 |
| 19 years | $18,241 |
| 21 years | $22,131 |
| 23 years | $26,020 |
| 25 years | $29,910 |
Top Solar Installers in Iowa Falls
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Iowa Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Iowa Falls
The cost of installing a solar system in Iowa Falls 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 installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Iowa Falls, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Iowa Falls' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk 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 lower 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $18,147 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $24,506 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $31,020 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $37,690 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $44,514 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $51,494 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $58,628 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $65,918 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Iowa Falls, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Iowa Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Iowa Falls is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Iowa Falls?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.