Solar Panel Cost Guide in Iowa City, IA (2024 Update)
- Iowa City Solar Installation Cost: $27,053
- 25-Year Savings: $24,340
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Iowa City
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Iowa City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Iowa City, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Iowa City is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,053 for a solar installation, or $38,686 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Iowa City can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Iowa City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Iowa City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,877 |
| 3 years | $-23,525 |
| 5 years | $-21,174 |
| 7 years | $-18,822 |
| 9 years | $-16,470 |
| 11 years | $-14,118 |
| 13 years | $-11,766 |
| 15 years | $-9,414 |
| 17 years | $-7,062 |
| 19 years | $-4,710 |
| 21 years | $-2,358 |
| 23 years | $-6 |
| 25 years | $2,346 |
Top Solar Installers in Iowa City
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel 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 Iowa City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Iowa City
For many Iowa City homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Iowa City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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 Iowa City provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Iowa City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $9,271 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $12,811 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $16,575 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $20,563 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $24,776 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $29,214 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $33,877 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $38,763 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 previous customers.
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 Iowa City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Iowa City?
The average cost of solar panels in Iowa City 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost 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 having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably 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% 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 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.