Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shenandoah, IA (2024 Update)
- Shenandoah Solar Installation Cost: $26,024
- 25-Year Savings: $27,139
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shenandoah
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Shenandoah.
In Shenandoah, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.3-kW system would cost about $26,024 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Shenandoah, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shenandoah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,956 |
| 3 years | $-22,820 |
| 5 years | $-20,684 |
| 7 years | $-18,549 |
| 9 years | $-16,413 |
| 11 years | $-14,277 |
| 13 years | $-12,141 |
| 15 years | $-10,005 |
| 17 years | $-7,870 |
| 19 years | $-5,734 |
| 21 years | $-3,598 |
| 23 years | $-1,462 |
| 25 years | $673 |
Top Solar Installers in Shenandoah
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Shenandoah, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Shenandoah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shenandoah
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Shenandoah: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Shenandoah, 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 consumption, 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.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Shenandoah’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $11,682 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $16,025 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $20,593 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $25,385 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $30,402 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $35,643 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $41,109 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $46,800 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
EcoWatch's Shenandoah, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shenandoah?
The average cost of solar panels in Shenandoah is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Shenandoah?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Shenandoah, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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.