Solar Panel Cost Guide in Iola, KS (2024 Update)

  • Iola Solar Installation Cost: $17,880
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,791
  • Payback Period: 11.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Iola.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Iola it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $17,880 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Iola

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,544
3 years$-13,872
5 years$-11,200
7 years$-8,528
9 years$-5,856
11 years$-3,184
13 years$-512
15 years$2,161
17 years$4,833
19 years$7,505
21 years$10,177
23 years$12,849
25 years$15,521

Top Solar Installers in Iola

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Iola, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Iola is $17,880, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Iola, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Iola, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Iola is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.47$14,589$16,52311.7 years
8 kW$3.41$19,078$22,40511.5 years
10 kW$3.34$23,380$28,47311.3 years
12 kW$3.27$27,495$34,72911.0 years
14 kW$3.21$31,423$41,17210.8 years
16 kW$3.14$35,164$47,80210.6 years
18 kW$3.07$38,717$54,61910.4 years
20 kW$3.01$42,084$61,62310.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Iola?

The average cost of solar panels in Iola is about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Iola?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Iola. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Iola is currently $74,147, which means you can look forward to a value of about $3,040 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Iola is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Iola?

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 higher 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.

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.