Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oelwein, IA (2024 Update)

  • Oelwein Solar Installation Cost: $27,498
  • 25-Year Savings: $29,282
  • Payback Period: 14.2 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 Oelwein

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Oelwein.

In Oelwein, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Oelwein homeowner needs a 9.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,498 with the federal tax credit, or $39,322 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Oelwein homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Oelwein homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Oelwein

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,782
3 years $-22,349
5 years $-18,916
7 years $-15,483
9 years $-12,049
11 years $-8,616
13 years $-5,183
15 years $-1,750
17 years $1,683
19 years $5,116
21 years $8,549
23 years $11,982
25 years $15,415

Top Solar Installers in Oelwein

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. 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 quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Oelwein:

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 Oelwein

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oelwein

Although the average cost of a solar system in Oelwein is $27,498, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,010. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Oelwein average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Oelwein, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Oelwein homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Oelwein’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more 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 $4.17 $17,516 $12,053 14.8 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $16,520 14.5 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $21,211 14.2 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $26,127 14.0 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $31,267 13.7 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $36,632 13.4 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $42,222 13.1 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $48,036 12.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.

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 Oelwein, IA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oelwein?

The average cost of solar panels in Oelwein 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 consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 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.

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