Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock Valley, IA (2024 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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rock Valley it’s 4 per watt.Since a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Rock Valley, the average price of going solar will be about $27,064 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rock Valley homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
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
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Rock Valley:
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 Rock Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock Valley
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total 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
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,010. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes 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 install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rock Valley to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy 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 solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Rock Valley, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rock Valley?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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 install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rock Valley is currently $264,815, so you can expect a value of about $10,857 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rock Valley is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 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.