Solar Panel Cost Guide in Le Claire, IA (2024 Update)
- Le Claire Solar Installation Cost: $27,096
- 25-Year Savings: $22,083
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Le Claire
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Le Claire.
The average cost of a solar system in Le Claire is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Le Claire is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,096 for a solar installation, or $38,747 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Le Claire based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Le Claire homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Le Claire that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Le Claire
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-26,028 |
| 3 years | $-23,892 |
| 5 years | $-21,756 |
| 7 years | $-19,621 |
| 9 years | $-17,485 |
| 11 years | $-15,349 |
| 13 years | $-13,213 |
| 15 years | $-11,077 |
| 17 years | $-8,942 |
| 19 years | $-6,806 |
| 21 years | $-4,670 |
| 23 years | $-2,534 |
| 25 years | $-399 |
Top Solar Installers in Le Claire
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Le Claire:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Le Claire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Le Claire
The cost of installing a solar system in Le Claire can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Le Claire, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Le Claire to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Le Claire, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 companies.
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 | $7,844 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $10,908 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $14,196 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $17,709 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $21,447 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $25,409 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $29,595 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $34,006 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Le Claire, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Le Claire, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Le Claire?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Le Claire?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.