Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlisle, IA (2024 Update)
- Carlisle Solar Installation Cost: $26,786
- 25-Year Savings: $19,256
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlisle
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Carlisle.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Carlisle is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $26,786 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 will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carlisle find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Carlisle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,718 |
| 3 years | $-23,583 |
| 5 years | $-21,447 |
| 7 years | $-19,311 |
| 9 years | $-17,175 |
| 11 years | $-15,040 |
| 13 years | $-12,904 |
| 15 years | $-10,768 |
| 17 years | $-8,632 |
| 19 years | $-6,497 |
| 21 years | $-4,361 |
| 23 years | $-2,225 |
| 25 years | $-89 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlisle
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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 Carlisle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlisle
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Carlisle: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Carlisle have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk 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 lower 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $6,226 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $8,750 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $11,499 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $14,472 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $17,671 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $21,093 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $24,740 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $28,612 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Carlisle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though 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 ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Carlisle, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carlisle?
The average cost of solar panels in Carlisle is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carlisle?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
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 Carlisle is currently $268,313, so you could be looking at a value of about $11,001 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Carlisle is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.