Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spirit Lake, IA (2025 Update)
- Spirit Lake Solar Installation Cost: $27,278
- 25-Year Savings: $28,050
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Spirit Lake
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Spirit Lake.
In Spirit Lake, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Spirit Lake, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $27,278, or $39,008 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Spirit Lake can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Spirit Lake that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Spirit Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,562 |
| 3 years | $-22,129 |
| 5 years | $-18,696 |
| 7 years | $-15,263 |
| 9 years | $-11,830 |
| 11 years | $-8,397 |
| 13 years | $-4,964 |
| 15 years | $-1,531 |
| 17 years | $1,902 |
| 19 years | $5,335 |
| 21 years | $8,768 |
| 23 years | $12,201 |
| 25 years | $15,634 |
Top Solar Installers in Spirit Lake
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Spirit Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spirit Lake
For many Spirit Lake homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Spirit Lake, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Spirit Lake, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Spirit Lake is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $11,437 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $15,698 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $20,184 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $24,894 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $29,829 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $34,989 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $40,373 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $45,982 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
EcoWatch's Spirit Lake, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Spirit Lake?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Spirit Lake?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Spirit Lake, 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 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.