Solar Panel Cost Guide in Iola, KS (Mar 2023)

  • Iola Solar Installation Cost: $13,869
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,787
  • Payback Period: 8.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Iola

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Iola.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Iola it's 2.59 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Iola, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,869, or $19,833 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Iola homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Iola find going solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Iola

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,283
3 years $-9,111
5 years $-5,938
7 years $-2,766
9 years $407
11 years $3,579
13 years $6,752
15 years $9,924
17 years $13,097
19 years $16,269
21 years $19,442
23 years $22,615
25 years $25,787

Top Solar Installers in Iola

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're looking for a solar company in Iola, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Iola

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Iola

For many Iola homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Iola, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Iola, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Iola, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Iola, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 $2.69 $11,313 $19,799 9.1 years
8 kW $2.64 $14,794 $26,689 8.9 years
10 kW $2.59 $18,130 $33,723 8.7 years
12 kW $2.54 $21,321 $40,903 8.6 years
14 kW $2.49 $24,367 $48,228 8.4 years
16 kW $2.43 $27,268 $55,698 8.2 years
18 kW $2.38 $30,023 $63,313 8.0 years
20 kW $2.33 $32,634 $71,073 7.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Iola, KS Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Iola?

The average cost of solar panels in Iola is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Iola?

Solar panels aren't free in Iola, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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.

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