Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange City, IA (2023 Update)
- Orange City Solar Installation Cost: $18,695
- 25-Year Savings: $16,748
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange City
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Orange City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Orange City, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. Because a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Orange City, the average price of going solar will be about $18,692 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Orange City can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Orange City for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Orange City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,577 |
| 3 years | $-18,340 |
| 5 years | $-18,104 |
| 7 years | $-17,868 |
| 9 years | $-17,632 |
| 11 years | $-17,395 |
| 13 years | $-17,159 |
| 15 years | $-16,923 |
| 17 years | $-16,686 |
| 19 years | $-16,450 |
| 21 years | $-16,214 |
| 23 years | $-15,978 |
| 25 years | $-15,741 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange City
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Orange City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange City
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does 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, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Orange City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Orange City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Orange City homeowners, they can also raise 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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Orange City'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 cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,957 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,586 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,370 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,310 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,404 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,654 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $34,058 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,618 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Orange City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Orange City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Orange City. 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $735.20 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Orange City?
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 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.