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

  • Osceola Solar Installation Cost: $26,616
  • 25-Year Savings: $33,117
  • Payback Period: 12.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Osceola

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Osceola.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Osceola generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $26,616 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Osceola homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Osceola, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Osceola

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-24,900
3 years$-21,467
5 years$-18,034
7 years$-14,601
9 years$-11,168
11 years$-7,735
13 years$-4,302
15 years$-869
17 years$2,564
19 years$5,997
21 years$9,430
23 years$12,863
25 years$16,296

Top Solar Installers in Osceola

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Osceola, thereby optimizing your ROI.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Osceola

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Osceola

The cost of installing a solar system in Osceola can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Osceola offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Osceola, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.17$17,516$15,07313.4 years
8 kW$4.09$22,905$20,54713.2 years
10 kW$4.01$28,070$26,24512.9 years
12 kW$3.93$33,010$32,16812.7 years
14 kW$3.85$37,726$38,31512.4 years
16 kW$3.77$42,217$44,68712.1 years
18 kW$3.69$46,484$51,28311.9 years
20 kW$3.61$50,526$58,10411.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 Osceola, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Osceola?

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. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a very important 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 be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Osceola have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.