Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cedar Rapids, IA (2024 Update)
- Cedar Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $27,274
- 25-Year Savings: $29,748
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cedar Rapids
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Cedar Rapids.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cedar Rapids typically cost around 4.The average Cedar Rapids homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,274 with the federal tax credit, or $39,002 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Cedar Rapids 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 utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cedar Rapids find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cedar Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,584 |
| 3 years | $-22,203 |
| 5 years | $-18,822 |
| 7 years | $-15,441 |
| 9 years | $-12,060 |
| 11 years | $-8,680 |
| 13 years | $-5,299 |
| 15 years | $-1,918 |
| 17 years | $1,463 |
| 19 years | $4,844 |
| 21 years | $8,224 |
| 23 years | $11,605 |
| 25 years | $14,986 |
Top Solar Installers in Cedar Rapids
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Cedar Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cedar Rapids
Although the average cost of a solar system in Cedar Rapids is $27,274, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cedar Rapids is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Cedar Rapids know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $12,487 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,099 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $21,935 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $26,996 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $32,281 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $37,791 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $43,526 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $49,484 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Cedar Rapids, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cedar Rapids?
The average cost of solar panels in Cedar Rapids is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cedar Rapids?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.