Solar Panel Cost Guide in Iowa, LA (Mar 2023)
- Iowa Solar Installation Cost: $17,846
- 25-Year Savings: $30,560
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Iowa
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Iowa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Iowa it's 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Iowa is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,846 for a solar installation, or $25,520 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Iowa homeowner. The price 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 $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Iowa find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Iowa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,910 |
| 3 years | $-12,037 |
| 5 years | $-8,165 |
| 7 years | $-4,292 |
| 9 years | $-420 |
| 11 years | $3,452 |
| 13 years | $7,325 |
| 15 years | $11,197 |
| 17 years | $15,070 |
| 19 years | $18,942 |
| 21 years | $22,815 |
| 23 years | $26,687 |
| 25 years | $30,560 |
Top Solar Installers in Iowa
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Iowa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Iowa
The cost of installing a solar system in Iowa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,570. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Iowa, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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 financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Iowa, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across 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 larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.67 | $11,226 | $18,041 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $24,343 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $30,788 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $37,378 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $44,111 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $50,989 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $58,010 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $65,175 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall 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 keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Iowa, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Iowa?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Iowa?
A solar panel system isn't free in Iowa, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $975.57 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.