Solar Panel Cost Guide in Des Moines, WA (2024 Update)
- Des Moines Solar Installation Cost: $10,925
- 25-Year Savings: $10,641
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Des Moines
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Des Moines.
The average cost of a solar system in Des Moines is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Des Moines is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,925 for a solar installation, or $15,623 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Des Moines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,649 |
| 3 years | $-7,098 |
| 5 years | $-4,546 |
| 7 years | $-1,994 |
| 9 years | $558 |
| 11 years | $3,110 |
| 13 years | $5,661 |
| 15 years | $8,213 |
| 17 years | $10,765 |
| 19 years | $13,317 |
| 21 years | $15,869 |
| 23 years | $18,421 |
| 25 years | $20,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Des Moines
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Des Moines, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Des Moines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Des Moines
For many Des Moines homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Des Moines, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,590. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Des Moines, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Des Moines offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Des Moines is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.73 | $15,681 | $10,183 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,979 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,977 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,175 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,575 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,176 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $35,977 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $40,980 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Des Moines, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Des Moines, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Des Moines?
The average cost of solar panels in Des Moines is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Des Moines?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Des Moines?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.