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

  • Osceola Solar Installation Cost: $26,616
  • 25-Year Savings: $33,117
  • Payback Period: 12.9 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Osceola

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Osceola.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Osceola it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Osceola, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,616, or $38,061 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Osceola depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Osceola homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Osceola

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-24,900
3 years $-21,467
5 years $-18,034
7 years $-14,601
9 years $-11,168
11 years $-7,735
13 years $-4,302
15 years $-869
17 years $2,564
19 years $5,997
21 years $9,430
23 years $12,863
25 years $16,296

Top Solar Installers in Osceola

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Osceola, therefore optimizing your ROI.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Osceola, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Osceola

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Osceola

There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $4,010. There are many 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. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install 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

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Osceola, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Osceola homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. Osceola’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 $15,073 13.4 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $20,547 13.2 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $26,245 12.9 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $32,168 12.7 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $38,315 12.4 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $44,687 12.1 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $51,283 11.9 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $58,104 11.6 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. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.

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 Osceola, IA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Osceola?

The average cost of solar panels in Osceola 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Osceola?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.

Follow us