Solar Panel Cost Guide in Le Claire, IA (2024 Update)

  • Le Claire Solar Installation Cost: $27,096
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,083
  • Payback Period: 16.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Le Claire

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Le Claire.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Le Claire it’s 4 per watt.The average Le Claire homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,096 with the federal tax credit, or $38,747 before the 0 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 use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Le Claire can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Le Claire

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-26,028
3 years $-23,892
5 years $-21,756
7 years $-19,621
9 years $-17,485
11 years $-15,349
13 years $-13,213
15 years $-11,077
17 years $-8,942
19 years $-6,806
21 years $-4,670
23 years $-2,534
25 years $-399

Top Solar Installers in Le Claire

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Le Claire:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Le Claire

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Le Claire

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Le Claire: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,010 per kilowatt in Le Claire.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Le Claire, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise 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 back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Le Claire, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Le Claire know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $7,844 17.3 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $10,908 16.9 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $14,196 16.6 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $17,709 16.3 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $21,447 15.9 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $25,409 15.6 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $29,595 15.3 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $34,006 14.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Le Claire, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Le Claire, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Le Claire?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Le Claire?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 home 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 savings from going solar.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 solar panels."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.

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