Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pella, IA (2023 Update)

  • Pella Solar Installation Cost: $18,488
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,431
  • Payback Period: 10.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Pella

See how much it might cost to go solar in Pella.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pella, the average cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. Since a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Pella, the average price of going solar will be about $18,479 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Pella homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Pella homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Pella

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,345
3 years $-18,059
5 years $-17,773
7 years $-17,487
9 years $-17,201
11 years $-16,915
13 years $-16,628
15 years $-16,342
17 years $-16,056
19 years $-15,770
21 years $-15,484
23 years $-15,198
25 years $-14,912

Top Solar Installers in Pella

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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 Pella

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pella

While the average cost of a solar system in Pella is $18,479, your actual cost may differ. 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 keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Pella, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Pella homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $14,908 11.2 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $20,188 11.0 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $25,622 10.8 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $31,212 10.6 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $36,957 10.3 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $42,857 10.1 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $48,912 9.9 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $55,123 9.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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 Pella, IA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pella?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $900.25 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 continue to use 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.

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