Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decorah, IA (2024 Update)
- Decorah Solar Installation Cost: $27,658
- 25-Year Savings: $34,836
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decorah
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Decorah.
In Decorah, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Decorah is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,658 for a solar installation, or $39,551 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Decorah can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Decorah, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Decorah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,942 |
| 3 years | $-22,509 |
| 5 years | $-19,076 |
| 7 years | $-15,643 |
| 9 years | $-12,210 |
| 11 years | $-8,777 |
| 13 years | $-5,344 |
| 15 years | $-1,911 |
| 17 years | $1,522 |
| 19 years | $4,955 |
| 21 years | $8,388 |
| 23 years | $11,821 |
| 25 years | $15,254 |
Top Solar Installers in Decorah
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Decorah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decorah
The cost of installing a solar system in Decorah can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,010 per kilowatt in Decorah.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Decorah, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 Decorah to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Decorah is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to 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.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,331 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $20,890 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $26,674 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $32,683 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $38,916 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $45,373 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $52,055 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $58,962 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Decorah, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Decorah?
The average cost of solar panels in Decorah 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,094.88 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.