Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Des Moines, IA (2024 Update)
- West Des Moines Solar Installation Cost: $26,775
- 25-Year Savings: $20,570
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Des Moines
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in West Des Moines.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Des Moines it’s 4 per watt.Since a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in West Des Moines, the average price of going solar will be about $26,775 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in West Des Moines, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Des Moines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,707 |
| 3 years | $-23,571 |
| 5 years | $-21,436 |
| 7 years | $-19,300 |
| 9 years | $-17,164 |
| 11 years | $-15,028 |
| 13 years | $-12,892 |
| 15 years | $-10,757 |
| 17 years | $-8,621 |
| 19 years | $-6,485 |
| 21 years | $-4,349 |
| 23 years | $-2,214 |
| 25 years | $-78 |
Top Solar Installers in West Des Moines
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in West Des Moines, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in West Des Moines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Des Moines
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $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 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in West Des Moines, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for West Des Moines homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Des Moines is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $7,057 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $9,859 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $12,885 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $16,135 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $19,611 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $23,310 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $27,235 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $31,384 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
EcoWatch's West Des Moines, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Des Moines?
The average cost of solar panels in West Des Moines is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Des Moines?
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 can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Des Moines, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.