Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norwalk, IA (2023 Update)
- Norwalk Solar Installation Cost: $18,498
- 25-Year Savings: $19,262
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norwalk
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Norwalk.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Norwalk typically cost around 2.77. The average solar panel system size in Norwalk is around 9.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,498 for a solar installation, or $26,452 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Norwalk homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Norwalk can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Norwalk for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Norwalk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,988 |
| 3 years | $-13,967 |
| 5 years | $-10,946 |
| 7 years | $-7,925 |
| 9 years | $-4,905 |
| 11 years | $-1,884 |
| 13 years | $1,137 |
| 15 years | $4,158 |
| 17 years | $7,179 |
| 19 years | $10,199 |
| 21 years | $13,220 |
| 23 years | $16,241 |
| 25 years | $19,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Norwalk
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
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 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 Norwalk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norwalk
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Norwalk: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use 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 many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Norwalk's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Norwalk have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $11,642 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,833 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,179 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,680 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,336 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $34,148 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $39,114 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $44,236 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Norwalk, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Norwalk?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Norwalk?
You can't get solar panels for free in Norwalk. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Norwalk?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.