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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shenandoah it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.3-kW system would cost about $26,024 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Shenandoah depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shenandoah find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Shenandoah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shenandoah
For many Shenandoah homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Shenandoah, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Shenandoah homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out 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
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Shenandoah, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more 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 | $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 system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Shenandoah, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shenandoah?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Shenandoah?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.