Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clear Lake, IA (2024 Update)
- Clear Lake Solar Installation Cost: $27,284
- 25-Year Savings: $30,344
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clear Lake
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Clear Lake.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clear Lake, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Clear Lake is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,284 for a solar installation, or $39,016 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clear Lake see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clear Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,567 |
| 3 years | $-22,134 |
| 5 years | $-18,701 |
| 7 years | $-15,268 |
| 9 years | $-11,835 |
| 11 years | $-8,402 |
| 13 years | $-4,969 |
| 15 years | $-1,536 |
| 17 years | $1,897 |
| 19 years | $5,330 |
| 21 years | $8,763 |
| 23 years | $12,196 |
| 25 years | $15,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Clear Lake
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Clear Lake, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Clear Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clear Lake
Though the average cost of a solar system in Clear Lake is $27,284, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clear Lake, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Clear Lake homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out 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
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Clear Lake, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,849 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,581 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,538 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,720 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $33,125 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $38,756 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $44,611 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $50,690 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’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: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Clear Lake, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clear Lake?
This is a difficult 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clear Lake is currently $320,255, which means you can expect a value of about $13,130 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clear Lake is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Clear Lake?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.