Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sioux City, IA (2024 Update)
- Sioux City Solar Installation Cost: $26,778
- 25-Year Savings: $25,058
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sioux City
We go over average solar pricing in Sioux City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sioux City generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $26,778 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sioux City find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Sioux City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sioux City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,715 |
| 3 years | $-23,588 |
| 5 years | $-21,462 |
| 7 years | $-19,335 |
| 9 years | $-17,208 |
| 11 years | $-15,082 |
| 13 years | $-12,955 |
| 15 years | $-10,829 |
| 17 years | $-8,702 |
| 19 years | $-6,575 |
| 21 years | $-4,449 |
| 23 years | $-2,322 |
| 25 years | $-195 |
Top Solar Installers in Sioux City
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Sioux City, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sioux City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sioux City
Though the average cost of a solar system in Sioux City is $26,778, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. 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 keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,010 per kilowatt in Sioux City.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sioux City to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Sioux City’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 compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $9,878 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $13,620 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $17,586 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $21,777 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $26,193 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $30,833 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $35,697 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $40,786 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Sioux City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sioux City?
The average cost of solar panels in Sioux City 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sioux City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sioux City?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.