Solar Panel Cost Guide in Storm Lake, IA (2025 Update)
- Storm Lake Solar Installation Cost: $27,055
- 25-Year Savings: $24,441
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Storm Lake
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Storm Lake.
The average cost of a solar system in Storm Lake is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $27,055 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Storm Lake can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Storm Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,987 |
| 3 years | $-23,851 |
| 5 years | $-21,715 |
| 7 years | $-19,579 |
| 9 years | $-17,444 |
| 11 years | $-15,308 |
| 13 years | $-13,172 |
| 15 years | $-11,036 |
| 17 years | $-8,901 |
| 19 years | $-6,765 |
| 21 years | $-4,629 |
| 23 years | $-2,493 |
| 25 years | $-357 |
Top Solar Installers in Storm Lake
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Another benefit of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Storm Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Storm Lake
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require 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.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Storm Lake to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate 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 evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Storm Lake is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $9,333 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $12,894 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $16,678 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $20,688 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $24,922 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $29,380 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $34,063 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $38,971 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
EcoWatch's Storm Lake, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Storm Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in Storm Lake 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 stuff like the kind 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 Storm Lake?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.