Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pleasant Hill, IA (2024 Update)
- Pleasant Hill Solar Installation Cost: $26,849
- 25-Year Savings: $19,213
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pleasant Hill
We go over average solar pricing in Pleasant Hill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pleasant Hill, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Pleasant Hill, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,849, or $38,394 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Pleasant Hill homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Pleasant Hill for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Pleasant Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,781 |
| 3 years | $-23,646 |
| 5 years | $-21,510 |
| 7 years | $-19,374 |
| 9 years | $-17,238 |
| 11 years | $-15,103 |
| 13 years | $-12,967 |
| 15 years | $-10,831 |
| 17 years | $-8,695 |
| 19 years | $-6,559 |
| 21 years | $-4,424 |
| 23 years | $-2,288 |
| 25 years | $-152 |
Top Solar Installers in Pleasant Hill
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Pleasant Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pleasant Hill
For many Pleasant Hill homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pleasant Hill, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency 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 much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Pleasant Hill, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $6,170 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $8,676 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $11,406 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $14,361 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $17,541 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $20,945 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $24,573 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $28,427 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Pleasant Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Pleasant Hill, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pleasant Hill?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pleasant Hill?
Solar panels aren’t free in Pleasant Hill, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.