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 February 03, 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.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mount Pleasant it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $26,680 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Mount Pleasant homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mount Pleasant

Year Return 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

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

Although the average cost of a solar system in Mount Pleasant is $26,680, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Mount Pleasant, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility 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.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mount Pleasant is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Mount Pleasant have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $4.17 $17,516 $13,818 14.0 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $18,873 13.7 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $24,153 13.4 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $29,657 13.2 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $35,386 12.9 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $41,339 12.6 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $47,517 12.4 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $53,920 12.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Mount Pleasant?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Mount Pleasant, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

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

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though 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 after having 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.

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