Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norwalk, IA (2024 Update)

  • Norwalk Solar Installation Cost: $26,786
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,256
  • Payback Period: 17.7 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 Norwalk

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Norwalk.

In Norwalk, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Norwalk is around 9.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,786 for a solar installation, or $38,304 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Norwalk homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Norwalk for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Norwalk

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,718
3 years $-23,583
5 years $-21,447
7 years $-19,311
9 years $-17,175
11 years $-15,040
13 years $-12,904
15 years $-10,768
17 years $-8,632
19 years $-6,497
21 years $-4,361
23 years $-2,225
25 years $-89

Top Solar Installers in Norwalk

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Norwalk

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norwalk

Though the average cost of a solar system in Norwalk is $26,786, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,010 per kilowatt in Norwalk.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Norwalk, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Norwalk’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $6,226 18.4 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $8,750 18.1 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $11,499 17.7 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $14,472 17.4 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $17,671 17.0 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $21,093 16.7 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $24,740 16.3 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $28,612 16.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer 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: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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 Norwalk, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Norwalk?

The average cost of solar panels in Norwalk is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Norwalk?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Norwalk. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Norwalk, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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