Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Des Moines, IA (2023 Update)
- West Des Moines Solar Installation Cost: $18,498
- 25-Year Savings: $20,567
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Des Moines
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Des Moines.
In West Des Moines, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in West Des Moines is around 9.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,498 for a solar installation, or $26,452 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Des Moines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,935 |
| 3 years | $-13,810 |
| 5 years | $-10,685 |
| 7 years | $-7,560 |
| 9 years | $-4,434 |
| 11 years | $-1,309 |
| 13 years | $1,816 |
| 15 years | $4,941 |
| 17 years | $8,066 |
| 19 years | $11,192 |
| 21 years | $14,317 |
| 23 years | $17,442 |
| 25 years | $20,567 |
Top Solar Installers in West Des Moines
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 West Des Moines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Des Moines
For many West Des Moines homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Des Moines, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in West Des Moines. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want additional 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 West Des Moines to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Des Moines is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in West Des Moines are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,474 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $16,942 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $21,565 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $26,343 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $31,277 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $36,365 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $41,609 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $47,008 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 West Des Moines, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Des Moines?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.