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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Le Mars it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Le Mars, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,857, or $38,406 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Le Mars, you can 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 time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Mars
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Le Mars
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Le Mars is $26,857, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable 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 $4,010.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Le Mars homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Le Mars homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Le Mars is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 big role in the company you go with.
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 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 $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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Le Mars?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Le Mars?
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 amount 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.