Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pella, IA (2024 Update)
- Pella Solar Installation Cost: $26,764
- 25-Year Savings: $24,431
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pella
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pella.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Pella is 4 per watt.Because a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Pella, the average price of going solar will be about $26,764 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Pella based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Pella homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Pella for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Pella
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,697 |
| 3 years | $-23,561 |
| 5 years | $-21,425 |
| 7 years | $-19,289 |
| 9 years | $-17,153 |
| 11 years | $-15,018 |
| 13 years | $-12,882 |
| 15 years | $-10,746 |
| 17 years | $-8,610 |
| 19 years | $-6,475 |
| 21 years | $-4,339 |
| 23 years | $-2,203 |
| 25 years | $-67 |
Top Solar Installers in Pella
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Pella
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pella
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pella to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Pella’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $9,492 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $13,105 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $16,942 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $21,004 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $25,291 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $29,802 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $34,538 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $39,499 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Pella, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pella?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pella?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.