Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marion, IA (Mar 2023)
- Marion Solar Installation Cost: $18,847
- 25-Year Savings: $30,073
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marion
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Marion.
The average cost of a solar system in Marion is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $18,847 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Marion based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Marion, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,890 |
| 3 years | $-12,977 |
| 5 years | $-9,063 |
| 7 years | $-5,149 |
| 9 years | $-1,236 |
| 11 years | $2,678 |
| 13 years | $6,591 |
| 15 years | $10,505 |
| 17 years | $14,419 |
| 19 years | $18,332 |
| 21 years | $22,246 |
| 23 years | $26,159 |
| 25 years | $30,073 |
Top Solar Installers in Marion
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Marion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Marion is $18,847, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Marion, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Marion's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $18,109 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $24,456 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $30,957 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $37,614 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $44,426 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $51,393 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $58,515 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $65,793 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Marion, 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:
- 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Marion, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marion?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Marion?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.