Solar Panel Cost Guide in Le Mars, IA (2024 Update)
- Le Mars Solar Installation Cost: $26,857
- 25-Year Savings: $16,740
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Le Mars
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Le Mars.
In Le Mars, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,857 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Le Mars depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Le Mars find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Le Mars
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-25,789 |
3 years | $-23,653 |
5 years | $-21,517 |
7 years | $-19,382 |
9 years | $-17,246 |
11 years | $-15,110 |
13 years | $-12,974 |
15 years | $-10,839 |
17 years | $-8,703 |
19 years | $-6,567 |
21 years | $-4,431 |
23 years | $-2,295 |
25 years | $-160 |
Top Solar Installers in Le Mars
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Le Mars
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Le Mars
There are a number of factors that can determine 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,010 per kilowatt in Le Mars.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Le Mars homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Le Mars, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $4,616 | 19.8 years |
8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $6,603 | 19.4 years |
10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $8,815 | 19.0 years |
12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $11,252 | 18.6 years |
14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $13,913 | 18.3 years |
16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $16,799 | 17.9 years |
18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $19,910 | 17.5 years |
20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $23,245 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Le Mars, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Le Mars?
The average cost of solar panels in Le Mars is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Le Mars have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.