Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Des Moines, IA (2024 Update)
- West Des Moines Solar Installation Cost: $26,775
- 25-Year Savings: $20,570
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Des Moines
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in West Des Moines.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Des Moines it’s 4 per watt.The average West Des Moines homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,775 with the federal tax credit, or $38,288 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Des Moines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,707 |
| 3 years | $-23,571 |
| 5 years | $-21,436 |
| 7 years | $-19,300 |
| 9 years | $-17,164 |
| 11 years | $-15,028 |
| 13 years | $-12,892 |
| 15 years | $-10,757 |
| 17 years | $-8,621 |
| 19 years | $-6,485 |
| 21 years | $-4,349 |
| 23 years | $-2,214 |
| 25 years | $-78 |
Top Solar Installers in West Des Moines
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in West Des Moines:
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 West Des Moines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Des Moines
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system 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
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 about $4,010 per kilowatt in West Des Moines.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many West Des Moines homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Des Moines homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in West Des Moines, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $7,057 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $9,859 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $12,885 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $16,135 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $19,611 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $23,310 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $27,235 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $31,384 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in West Des Moines, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 West Des Moines, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Des Moines?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Des Moines?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout West Des Moines, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.