Solar Panel Cost Guide in Polk City, IA (2023 Update)
- Polk City Solar Installation Cost: $18,556
- 25-Year Savings: $26,808
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Polk City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Polk City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Polk City generally cost around 2.77. Because a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Polk City, the average price of going solar will be about $18,556 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Polk City homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Polk City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,742 |
| 3 years | $-13,113 |
| 5 years | $-9,483 |
| 7 years | $-5,854 |
| 9 years | $-2,225 |
| 11 years | $1,404 |
| 13 years | $5,033 |
| 15 years | $8,662 |
| 17 years | $12,291 |
| 19 years | $15,920 |
| 21 years | $19,550 |
| 23 years | $23,179 |
| 25 years | $26,808 |
Top Solar Installers in Polk City
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Polk City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Polk City
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Polk City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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. The 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Polk City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Polk City to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Polk City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $16,356 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $22,119 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $28,036 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $34,109 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $40,337 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $46,719 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $53,257 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $59,950 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Polk City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Polk City?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Polk City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Polk City. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Polk City?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.