Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sioux City, IA (2023 Update)
- Sioux City Solar Installation Cost: $18,498
- 25-Year Savings: $25,057
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sioux City
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Sioux City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sioux City typically cost about 2.77. The average Sioux City homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,498 with the federal tax credit, or $26,452 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sioux City homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high initial cost, the average Sioux City homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sioux City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,756 |
| 3 years | $-13,271 |
| 5 years | $-9,787 |
| 7 years | $-6,303 |
| 9 years | $-2,818 |
| 11 years | $666 |
| 13 years | $4,151 |
| 15 years | $7,635 |
| 17 years | $11,120 |
| 19 years | $14,604 |
| 21 years | $18,089 |
| 23 years | $21,573 |
| 25 years | $25,057 |
Top Solar Installers in Sioux City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Sioux City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sioux City
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Sioux City is $18,498, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Sioux City. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sioux City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Sioux City provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $15,294 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $20,703 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $26,266 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $31,985 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $37,858 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $43,887 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $50,071 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $56,410 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Sioux City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sioux City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sioux City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.