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
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Updated September 15, 2023
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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 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 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 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 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.