Solar Panel Cost Guide in Le Mars, IA (Jan 2023)
- Le Mars Solar Installation Cost: $18,556
- 25-Year Savings: $16,735
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Le Mars
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Le Mars.
In Le Mars, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 9.6 would cost about $18,556 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Le Mars homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high initial cost, the average Le Mars homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Le Mars that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Le Mars
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,145 |
| 3 years | $-14,321 |
| 5 years | $-11,498 |
| 7 years | $-8,675 |
| 9 years | $-5,851 |
| 11 years | $-3,028 |
| 13 years | $-205 |
| 15 years | $2,619 |
| 17 years | $5,442 |
| 19 years | $8,265 |
| 21 years | $11,089 |
| 23 years | $13,912 |
| 25 years | $16,735 |
Top Solar Installers in Le Mars
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Le Mars
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Le Mars
There are several criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Le Mars, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Le Mars, 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 a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Le Mars homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Le Mars is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,032 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,686 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,495 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,460 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,579 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,854 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $34,284 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,869 | 11.8 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Le Mars, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Le Mars?
The average cost of solar panels in Le Mars 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Le Mars?
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 don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Le Mars, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 usually 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.