Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Pleasant, IA (2024 Update)

  • Mount Pleasant Solar Installation Cost: $26,680
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,208
  • Payback Period: 13.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Pleasant

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Mount Pleasant.

In Mount Pleasant, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Mount Pleasant, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,680, or $38,152 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Mount Pleasant, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mount Pleasant

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-24,964
3 years$-21,531
5 years$-18,098
7 years$-14,665
9 years$-11,232
11 years$-7,799
13 years$-4,366
15 years$-933
17 years$2,500
19 years$5,933
21 years$9,366
23 years$12,799
25 years$16,232

Top Solar Installers in Mount Pleasant

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

If you're looking for a solar company in Mount Pleasant, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Mount Pleasant

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Pleasant

The cost of installing a solar system in Mount Pleasant can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main 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 $4,010.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Mount Pleasant homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mount Pleasant homeowners, they can also increase 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

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Mount Pleasant, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.17$17,516$13,81814.0 years
8 kW$4.09$22,905$18,87313.7 years
10 kW$4.01$28,070$24,15313.4 years
12 kW$3.93$33,010$29,65713.2 years
14 kW$3.85$37,726$35,38612.9 years
16 kW$3.77$42,217$41,33912.6 years
18 kW$3.69$46,484$47,51712.4 years
20 kW$3.61$50,526$53,92012.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Mount Pleasant, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Mount Pleasant, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Pleasant?

The average cost of solar panels in Mount Pleasant 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Mount Pleasant?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Mount Pleasant. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Mount Pleasant?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.