Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marshalltown, IA (2023 Update)
- Marshalltown Solar Installation Cost: $18,634
- 25-Year Savings: $32,674
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marshalltown
We go over average solar pricing in Marshalltown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Marshalltown it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Marshalltown is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,634 for a solar installation, or $26,647 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Marshalltown homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Marshalltown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marshalltown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,581 |
| 3 years | $-12,477 |
| 5 years | $-8,372 |
| 7 years | $-4,268 |
| 9 years | $-163 |
| 11 years | $3,942 |
| 13 years | $8,046 |
| 15 years | $12,151 |
| 17 years | $16,255 |
| 19 years | $20,360 |
| 21 years | $24,465 |
| 23 years | $28,569 |
| 25 years | $32,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Marshalltown
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Marshalltown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marshalltown
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Marshalltown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,770 per kilowatt in Marshalltown. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Marshalltown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Marshalltown homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Marshalltown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Marshalltown have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $19,936 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $26,892 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $34,002 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $41,268 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $48,689 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $56,265 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $63,996 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $71,883 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Marshalltown, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marshalltown?
The average cost of solar panels in Marshalltown 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Marshalltown is currently $103,900, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,260 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Marshalltown is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Marshalltown?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.