Iowa Solar Panels
Pricing & Installation Data

Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Iowa.

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Solar Panels in Iowa

Welcome to a comprehensive guide that aims to be your one-stop-shop for all things solar in Iowa! 

With 349 MW of installed solar power as of March 2022, and the potential to build over 4,000 GW, Iowa is a sleeping giant in the solar energy landscape. From Cedar Falls to Ames, solar projects are popping up in both rural and urban settings. Wapello Solar at 128 MW, Strawberry Point producing 1 MW, and Arbor Hill Solar completed in 2022 at 31.8 MW all contribute to Iowa’s green landscape.

But there is a lot to consider to know whether solar is right for you. From costs and payback periods to net metering policies and even the direction your roof faces. This blog will break down every crucial factor you need to know to make an informed decision. So, let's harness the power of the sun and dive right in!

Cost of Solar in Iowa

The average price for a home solar panel system in Iowa is $20,700 for a 6kW system or about $3.45 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.

Average Cost
6 kW System
Average Cost
10 kW System
Estimated
Tax Credit
(10 kW System)
Average
Cost/Watt
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Iowa$20,520$34,200$10,260$3.42
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Most Costly State(Michigan)$22,680$37,800$11,340$3.78
Least Costly State(Arizona)$14,640$24,400$7,320$2.44

Costs by Solar System Size in Iowa

For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.

I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.

System SizeSystem CostCost After Federal Tax Credit
5 kW$17,100$8,785
6 kW$20,520$10,542
7 kW$23,940$12,299
8 kW$27,360$14,056
10 kW$34,200$17,570

Pros and Cons of Solar in Iowa

Unfortunately, nothing is perfect - including solar. To avoid buyer's remorse, you should think about all the pros and cons associated with installing solar equipment on your home. Then weigh them against each other to decide if it makes sense for you.

Everyone has their own opinion on how to interpret and weigh the pros and cons against each other. Our goal is to present the most common pros and cons and let you make your own choice.

Iowa Solar Pros

  • Cost Savings: Reduce or eliminate electric bills
  • Energy Independence: Generate your own electricity to reduce reliance on the grid
  • Sustainability: Reduce your carbon footprint
  • Home Value: Increase home value (4.1% on average)
  • Net Metering: While there is no statewide net metering, some local utility providers have net metering tariffs.
  • Tax Incentive: For any new solar PV system installed in Iowa, the assessed value of the system is exempt from your property taxes for five years. Systems are also exempt from sales tax, giving you 6% back.

Iowa Solar Cons

  • Compatibility: Not viable for all roofs or homes
  • Upfront Costs: The initial cost of the system, including Installation costs can be steep.
  • Variable Generation: The amount of electricity produce by the panels is of course determined by how much sun you get. Sunnier days get more power.
  • Financial Liability: If you sign into a solar lease contract, make sure you read the fine print. There have been cases of customers being responsible of more than they thought.
  • Longer Payback Period: The average payback period in Iowa is 13 years, slightly above the national average of 12 years. Solar Panels are expected to last 20 to 25 years, so it’s not all bad.
  • Less State Focus on Solar: Iowa's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goal is more geared towards wind energy. 
  • Weather Concerns: Frequent thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes could potentially damage your solar installation.

EnergyBot's Take

What’s our take on solar in Iowa? Take advantage of ALL the incentives while you can. 

The cost of solar in Iowa is high compared to a lot of other states. Because Iowa is not the sunniest state, solar demand and price reflect that. At the same time, solar is never a bad idea. There are only bad policies, contracts, agreements, and occasionally installers. 

Opting for solar energy in Iowa offers a mix of advantages and drawbacks, but overall, the sunny side seems to win. One of the immediate perks is the slashing of your electric bills, even if you don’t have as many sunny days. You’re not just saving money; you're also cutting down on your carbon emissions and gaining a level of energy self-sufficiency. Iowa's tax breaks are the cherry on top, offering property tax exemptions for five years and a 6% sales tax kickback.

On the flip side, when taking into consideration the initial investment and your return. It all depends on your financial situation. While the average payback time in Iowa is a year longer than the national average (11 years), the long lifespan of solar panels—20 to 25 years—makes it less of a concern. However, it's worth noting that Iowa's renewable energy policies are more wind-centric, and the state's weather conditions could pose a risk to your solar panels. So, if you're considering going solar in Iowa, it's a generally good move, but make sure to consider all angles.

If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.

Leasing vs Buying Solar Panels in Iowa

There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Iowa. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.

Cash Purchase

The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Solar Loan

The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.

This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."

Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.

Solar Lease

Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.

Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:

  • Renew your lease agreement
  • Purchase the system
  • End your lease agreement

Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.

Power Purchase Agreements

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.

For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.

Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.

Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.

Iowa Solar Incentives

Beyond the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you might qualify for additional incentives that can substantially cut down the cost of your solar panel setup. These perks can vary from state to state and even within local communities. Your local utility or city may offer incentives that can add up to significant savings.

The table below outlines the current incentives available in Iowa. However, this isn't an exhaustive list. Always consult your local utility provider for other potential savings opportunities.

Name State Category Type
Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption IA Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
Local Option - Special Assessment of Wind Energy Devices IA Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems IA Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Methane Gas Conversion Property Tax Exemption IA Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Renewable Fuel Fund IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
Alternate Energy Revolving Loan Program IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
Mandatory Utility Green Power Option IA Regulatory Policy Mandatory Utility Green Power Option
Iowa Energy Bank IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
Iowa Energy Center - Grants for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Research IA Financial Incentive Grant Program
Alternative Energy Law (AEL) IA Regulatory Policy Renewables Portfolio Standard
Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure IA Regulatory Policy Generation Disclosure
Iowa - Green Power Procurement IA Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Net Metering IA Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Ethanol-Blended Gasoline Tax Credit IA Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Interconnection Standards IA Regulatory Policy Interconnection
Energy Replacement Generation Tax Exemption IA Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits (Corporate) IA Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (Personal) IA Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Sales and Use Tax Refund for Renewable Energy IA Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
MidAmerican Energy (Gas and Electric) - Residential EnergyAdvantage Loan Program IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
MidAmerican Energy - BusinessCheck Energy Efficiency Program IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
MidAmerican Energy - EnergyAdvantage® New Homes Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy - Custom Systems Energy Efficiency Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy - Motors and Variable Speed Drives Energy Efficiency Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light (Gas and Electric) - New Home Construction Incentives IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light (Gas and Electric) - Low Interest Energy Efficiency Loan Program IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light - Farm Equipment Energy Efficiency Incentives IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light (Gas) - Business Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Cedar Falls Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Indianola Municipal Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Indianola Municipal Utilities - Good Cents Rate Discount Program IA Financial Incentive Utility Rate Discount
Indianola Municipal Utilities - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Spencer Municipal Utilities - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Energy Efficiency in State Facilities IA Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Building Energy Code IA Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
Independence Light & Power - Renewable Energy Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Rural Electric Cooperatives Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs (Offered by 12 Utilities) IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Muscatine Power and Water - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Muscatine Power and Water - Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Ames Electric Department - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Ames Electric Department - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Waverly Light & Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Missouri River Energy Service Member Utilities - Commercial and Industrial Efficiency Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Ames Electric Department - Net Metering IA Regulatory Policy Net Metering
MidAmerican Energy - Commercial EnergyAdvantage Financing Program IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
Indianola Municipal Utilities - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Preston Municipal Electric Utility - Renewable Energy Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Ames Electric Department - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Farmers Electric Cooperative (Kalona) - Renewable Energy Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Black Hills Energy (Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Black Hills Energy (Gas) - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Cedar Falls Utilities - Energy Conservation Loan Program IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
Cedar Falls Utilities - Residential New Construction Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy - EnergyAdvantage New Homes Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy (Gas and Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Black Hills Energy (Gas) - Residential New Construction Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Farmers Electric Cooperative (Kalona) - Renewable Energy Purchase Rate IA Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Iowa - Residential Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate (Offered by Several Cooperative Utilities) IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Cedar Falls Utilities - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Waverly Light & Power - Residential Solar Thermal Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative - Residential & Small Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Farmers Electric Cooperative (Kalona) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Copy of Farmers Electric Cooperative (Kalona) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Farmers Electric Cooperative (Kalona) - Residential Energy Efficiency Grant Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Energy Efficiency Standard IA Regulatory Policy Energy Efficiency Resource Standard
Liberty Utilities Iowa - High Efficiency Equipment Rebate IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light - Residential Renewable Energy Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light - Business and Farm Renewable Energy Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy (Gas) - Commercial EnergyAdvantage Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy (Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative - Solar Water Heater Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Missouri River Energy Service Member Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Small Wind Innovation Zone Program and Model Ordinance IA Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Permitting Standards
Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light - Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light (Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of Dubuque - Solar Thermal Licensing Requirement IA Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Contractor Licensing
Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate (Offered by 18 Utilities) IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Business Energy Efficiency Rebate (Offered by 18 Utilities) IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit IA Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit (Personal) IA Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit (Corporate) IA Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
MidAmerican Energy (Electric) - Municipal Solid-State Lighting Grant Program IA Financial Incentive Grant Program
IADG Energy Bank Revolving Loan Program IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
Farmers Electric Cooperative - Consumer Renewable Energy Sales Program IA Financial Incentive Feed-in Tariff
Corn Belt Power Cooperative Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Corn Belt Power Cooperative - Commercial and Industrial Loan Program IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
Volkswagen Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust Funding Program IA Financial Incentive Grant Program
Alliant Energy - Commercial/Community/Multifamily Electric Vehicle Charging Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Alliant Energy - Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy - Residential Electric Vehicle Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
MidAmerican Energy - Commercial Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program IA Financial Incentive Loan Program
Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative - Commercial (>75KW) Energy Efficiency Rebate Program IA Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Iowa Energy Center Grant Program IA Financial Incentive Grant Program
Diesel Emission Reduction Project Funding IA Financial Incentive Grant Program
Iowa - National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant Program IA Financial Incentive Grant Program
Tax-Exempt Financing for Green Buildings, Renewable Energy & Brownfield Redevelopment US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Conservation Security Program (CSP) Production Incentive US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Federal Excise Tax Exemption for Gasohol US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) US Financial Incentive Corporate Depreciation
Energy Star Financing and Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA Rural Housing Service Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI) US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Small Business Administration Loan Programs US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Energy-Efficient Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government US Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Deduction
Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Energy-Efficient Appliance Manufacturing Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Veterans Housing Guaranteed and Insured Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Federal Appliance Standards US Regulatory Policy Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards
Energy Goals and Standards for Federal Agencies US Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
U.S. Department of Treasury - Renewable Energy Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Repowering Assistance Biorefinery Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Title I Property Improvement Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA/REDA) Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Personal) US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Previously-Owned Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit

Iowa Solar Companies

There are hundreds of solar companies in Iowa. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.

To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.

The solar companies we partner with:

  • Project Solar - A nationwide provider of solar panel systems that has a non-sales-oriented approach to building your system. They build your system from their central office and send a local company to complete the solar panel installation.
  • EnergySage - The largest online solar installation network. They work with thousands of installers to help you find the perfect solar system for your home. With thousands of successful solar installations, they can give you a range of bids and pricing options.
  • Tesla - Brains behind some of the most cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, Tesla also offers sleek and powerful solar systems and battery systems.

We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.

Before You Install Solar Panels

Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.

  • What are the long-term savings and payback period for installing a solar panel system?
  • How will installing solar panels impact my home's value?
  • What is the system’s Return on Investment (ROI)?
  • Are there any specific design or aesthetic considerations for solar panel installation?
  • How do I weigh the environmental benefits against the costs of installation?
  • What are the specific terms and conditions for the installer?

EnergyBot 

Iowa state is embracing agrivoltaics, a unique venture that marries solar energy and agriculture. 

A 10-acre plot at ISU will house the solar farm with a maximum energy output of 1.35 megawatts, sufficient to power approximately 200 homes. The land beneath the solar panels will soon flourish with a variety of crops and pollinator plants. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) has granted ISU with a substantial $1.8 million grant. The largest allotment from the funding program. These types of agrivoltaic projects are popping up in other parts of the country but much research is still needed. 

This financial backing will support extensive research to investigate whether agriculture and solar energy can harmoniously coexist. Researchers will delve into multiple facets, including crop yield, the microclimate under the panels, and energy efficiency. 

They'll also be studying the social impact, exploring how such projects could build community and offer new opportunities in agriculture, especially for underrepresented groups.

Why Trust EnergyBot

We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.

Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Iowa decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.

We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.

Iowa Solar FAQs

The cost of solar panel installation in Iowa can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.

A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Iowa is $20,700 for a 6kW system or about or about $3.45 per watt.

The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:

  1. Your home's energy consumption: The first step is to calculate your household's energy use. You can do this by looking at your electricity bills to see how much electricity you use in a year, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average U.S. home uses around 10,400 kWh per year, but this can vary widely based on the size of your home, the efficiency of your appliances, and your personal habits.
  2. The amount of sunlight your location receives: This can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you live in a place that has many sunny days like Arizona, you might require fewer solar panels compared to someone living in a place with less sunlight like Seattle.
  3. The efficiency of the solar panels: Not all solar panels are created equal. Some panels can convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than others. On average, residential solar panels have an efficiency rating between 15-20%. The higher the efficiency, the fewer panels you would likely need to meet your energy needs.
  4. The size of the solar panels: Solar panels also come in different sizes. A common size for residential use is roughly 65 inches by 39 inches. Each panel typically produces around 250 to 400 watts of power, but this can vary.

To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.

  • Lower Electricity Bills:
    Once your solar panels are installed, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid, which can lower your monthly bills.
  • Environmental Benefits:
    Solar energy is clean and renewable, so using it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.
  • Increased Home Value:
    Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
  • Long-Term Savings:
    While the upfront cost of installing solar energy systems can be high, they can pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills and other savings.
  • Location:
    Homes in areas with lots of sunlight are generally better candidates for solar panels. If your home is shaded or doesn't receive much sunlight, it may not be the best choice.
  • Roof Orientation:
    Ideally, your roof should be facing south to get the most sunlight throughout the day.
  • Roof Condition:
    Your roof should be in good condition and able to support the weight of the solar panels. If your roof needs repairs or replacement, it's best to take care of that before your solar installation.

The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.

Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly. Besides operation, it is recommended they are cleaned off about once a year to be free from any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.

Most solar panels come with a 25 to 30-year performance warranty, which guarantees a certain level of electricity production. This is also their expected life span but can continue to generate power beyond 30 years. Make sure to read the fine print to understand what's covered and what's not. Some warranties might only cover specific parts of the solar system, like the inverter or the panels themselves.

The inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) from the panels into alternating current (AC) for your home, typically has a shorter lifespan than the panels. You might need to replace it once during the lifetime of your solar system. Factor this into your long-term cost calculations.

Some homeowner's insurance policies will cover solar panels, but it's best to double-check. You may need to add a separate rider or even choose a different insurance provider to ensure your investment is protected.

For a system with no moving parts, it may seem like putting panels are your roof is a breeze. While DIY projects may be a frequent endeavor for the home handyman, DIY solar panel installation isn’t something we would recommend for most. 

The biggest challenges at play are the intricate electrical work. Not only can mistakes damage the expensive system, there are also serious safety concerns for those who aren’t electricians. 

We recommend at least getting a quote before you try taking on this project. You might be surprised to find that labor costs are a relatively small portion of the overall expense.

When it comes to solar panels, you'll mainly encounter two types: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but either can meet your home's energy needs effectively. In general, Mono-panels are more expensive and more efficient. Poly-panels are slightly less efficient but more affordable. Due to the efficiency difference, you may need a few more poly-panels than mono-panels. There are a handful of other factors as well: roof weight capacity, roof area, roof angle and orientation, and of course your financial limitations.

Instead of making a blind choice, consult with a solar installer who can assess various factors like your budget, location, and energy requirements. They can provide a tailored recommendation, ensuring you get the most efficient panels for your specific situation.