Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pleasant Hill, IA (2023 Update)
- Pleasant Hill Solar Installation Cost: $18,547
- 25-Year Savings: $19,213
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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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 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $18,556 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Pleasant Hill depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pleasant Hill find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pleasant Hill that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pleasant Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,479 |
| 3 years | $-15,343 |
| 5 years | $-13,207 |
| 7 years | $-11,072 |
| 9 years | $-8,936 |
| 11 years | $-6,800 |
| 13 years | $-4,664 |
| 15 years | $-2,528 |
| 17 years | $-393 |
| 19 years | $1,743 |
| 21 years | $3,879 |
| 23 years | $6,015 |
| 25 years | $8,150 |
Top Solar Installers in Pleasant Hill
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Pleasant Hill, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Pleasant Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pleasant Hill
For many Pleasant Hill homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pleasant Hill average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Pleasant Hill have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Pleasant Hill's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 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 | $11,586 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,759 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,086 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,569 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,207 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,999 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $38,947 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $44,051 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Pleasant Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in 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 Pleasant Hill, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pleasant Hill?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pleasant Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Pleasant Hill?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.