Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock Valley, IA (2025 Update)
- Rock Valley Solar Installation Cost: $27,064
- 25-Year Savings: $16,768
- Payback Period: 19.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rock Valley
We break down average solar pricing in Rock Valley.
The average cost of a solar system in Rock Valley is 4 per watt.The average Rock Valley homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,064 with the federal tax credit, or $38,702 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Rock Valley for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Rock Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,996 |
| 3 years | $-23,860 |
| 5 years | $-21,724 |
| 7 years | $-19,588 |
| 9 years | $-17,453 |
| 11 years | $-15,317 |
| 13 years | $-13,181 |
| 15 years | $-11,045 |
| 17 years | $-8,910 |
| 19 years | $-6,774 |
| 21 years | $-4,638 |
| 23 years | $-2,502 |
| 25 years | $-366 |
Top Solar Installers in Rock Valley
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Rock Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock Valley
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,010 per kilowatt in Rock Valley.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Rock Valley homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Rock Valley, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $4,553 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $6,520 | 19.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $8,711 | 19.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $11,127 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $13,768 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $16,633 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $19,723 | 17.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $23,037 | 17.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Rock Valley, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rock Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Rock Valley is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Rock Valley?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Rock Valley. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.