Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sioux Center, IA (2024 Update)

  • Sioux Center Solar Installation Cost: $27,064
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,833
  • Payback Period: 19.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sioux Center

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Sioux Center.

The average cost of a solar system in Sioux Center is 4 per watt.The average Sioux Center 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.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Sioux Center depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Sioux Center

YearReturn 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 Sioux Center

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Sioux Center:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Sioux Center

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sioux Center

There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems 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 greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just 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 energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Sioux Center homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sioux Center is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.17$17,516$3,97120.4 years
8 kW$4.09$22,905$5,74420.0 years
10 kW$4.01$28,070$7,74119.6 years
12 kW$3.93$33,010$9,96319.2 years
14 kW$3.85$37,726$12,41018.8 years
16 kW$3.77$42,217$15,08118.4 years
18 kW$3.69$46,484$17,97618.0 years
20 kW$3.61$50,526$21,09617.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Sioux Center, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Sioux Center, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sioux Center?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sioux Center?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 get the most savings.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 get 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.