Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Pleasant, IA (2023 Update)
- Mount Pleasant Solar Installation Cost: $18,430
- 25-Year Savings: $31,208
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Pleasant
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Mount Pleasant.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mount Pleasant typically cost about 2.77. The average Mount Pleasant homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,440 with the federal tax credit, or $26,369 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mount Pleasant
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,265 |
| 3 years | $-17,934 |
| 5 years | $-17,603 |
| 7 years | $-17,272 |
| 9 years | $-16,941 |
| 11 years | $-16,610 |
| 13 years | $-16,279 |
| 15 years | $-15,948 |
| 17 years | $-15,617 |
| 19 years | $-15,286 |
| 21 years | $-14,955 |
| 23 years | $-14,625 |
| 25 years | $-14,294 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Pleasant
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Mount Pleasant
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Pleasant
There are many factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Mount Pleasant homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Mount Pleasant's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $19,234 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $25,956 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $32,833 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $39,865 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $47,052 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $54,394 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $61,892 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $69,544 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 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 $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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Mount Pleasant?
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 larger 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.