Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boone, IA (2024 Update)
- Boone Solar Installation Cost: $26,836
- 25-Year Savings: $31,211
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boone
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Boone.
In Boone, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boone
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,120 |
| 3 years | $-21,687 |
| 5 years | $-18,254 |
| 7 years | $-14,821 |
| 9 years | $-11,388 |
| 11 years | $-7,955 |
| 13 years | $-4,522 |
| 15 years | $-1,089 |
| 17 years | $2,344 |
| 19 years | $5,777 |
| 21 years | $9,210 |
| 23 years | $12,643 |
| 25 years | $16,076 |
Top Solar Installers in Boone
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Because 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 avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Boone
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boone
For many Boone homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Boone, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various 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 energy system in Boone, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Boone, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Boone to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.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 a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Boone, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $13,706 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $18,723 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $23,965 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $29,432 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $35,123 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $41,039 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $47,180 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $53,545 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 past customers.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- 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 the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Boone, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Boone?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 get 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.