Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bettendorf, IA (2024 Update)
- Bettendorf Solar Installation Cost: $27,096
- 25-Year Savings: $20,867
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bettendorf
We break down average solar pricing in Bettendorf.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bettendorf it’s 4 per watt.Because a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bettendorf, the average price of going solar will be about $27,096 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bettendorf homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Bettendorf can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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 Bettendorf
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-26,028 |
| 3 years | $-23,892 |
| 5 years | $-21,756 |
| 7 years | $-19,621 |
| 9 years | $-17,485 |
| 11 years | $-15,349 |
| 13 years | $-13,213 |
| 15 years | $-11,077 |
| 17 years | $-8,942 |
| 19 years | $-6,806 |
| 21 years | $-4,670 |
| 23 years | $-2,534 |
| 25 years | $-399 |
Top Solar Installers in Bettendorf
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bettendorf
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bettendorf
For many Bettendorf homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bettendorf, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,010 per kilowatt in Bettendorf.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bettendorf average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bettendorf is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Bettendorf are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $7,088 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $9,900 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $12,937 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $16,198 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $19,683 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $23,393 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $27,328 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $31,487 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bettendorf, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bettendorf?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Bettendorf have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.