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
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Updated March 14, 2023
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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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 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.