Solar Panel Cost Guide in Polk City, IA (2024 Update)
- Polk City Solar Installation Cost: $26,849
- 25-Year Savings: $26,817
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Polk City
We break down average solar pricing in Polk City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Polk City, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Polk City, the average price of going solar will be about $26,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Polk City homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Polk City find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Polk City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Polk City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,133 |
| 3 years | $-21,700 |
| 5 years | $-18,267 |
| 7 years | $-14,834 |
| 9 years | $-11,401 |
| 11 years | $-7,968 |
| 13 years | $-4,535 |
| 15 years | $-1,102 |
| 17 years | $2,331 |
| 19 years | $5,764 |
| 21 years | $9,197 |
| 23 years | $12,630 |
| 25 years | $16,063 |
Top Solar Installers in Polk City
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Polk City:
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
While the average cost of a solar system in Polk City is $26,849, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Polk City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Polk City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Polk City is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $10,940 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $15,036 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $19,356 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $23,901 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $28,671 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $33,665 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $38,883 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $44,326 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 many factors. Generally 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 additional 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Polk City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 house 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.