Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottumwa, IA (2023 Update)
- Ottumwa Solar Installation Cost: $18,446
- 25-Year Savings: $30,311
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottumwa
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ottumwa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ottumwa it's 2.77 per watt. Since a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ottumwa, the average price of going solar will be about $18,440 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Ottumwa homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ottumwa for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ottumwa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,730 |
| 3 years | $-13,297 |
| 5 years | $-9,864 |
| 7 years | $-6,431 |
| 9 years | $-2,998 |
| 11 years | $435 |
| 13 years | $3,868 |
| 15 years | $7,301 |
| 17 years | $10,734 |
| 19 years | $14,167 |
| 21 years | $17,600 |
| 23 years | $21,033 |
| 25 years | $24,466 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottumwa
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Ottumwa, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ottumwa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ottumwa
Though the average cost of a solar system in Ottumwa is $18,440, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 about $2,770. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ottumwa, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ottumwa, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ottumwa homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Ottumwa, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 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 | $18,652 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $25,180 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $31,862 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $38,700 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $45,693 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $52,841 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $60,144 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $67,602 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Ottumwa, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ottumwa?
The average cost of solar panels in Ottumwa is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Ottumwa?
Solar panels aren't free in Ottumwa, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Ottumwa have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Ottumwa?
Even 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 opt to replace them once you've had 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.