Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Audubon County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Audubon County, IA in 2024?
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Getting solar panels in Audubon County, IA averages out to $0/W in the month of November, 2024.
For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can produce, you will need to invest, on average, $0 for its installation. You are able to come to this conclusion by using this rate price cost per watt. Taking into consideration the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW system in Audubon County typically costs $0. Be advised that a bigger system may be essential to fully meet your energy needs.
On the left, choose a county to view the average roof size and the maximum production capacity for solar panels on houses in your area. Below, you'll see a full overview of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Audubon County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Audubon County: 0 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Audubon County: $37,946US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Audubon County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Audubon County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Audubon County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Audubon County generally pay 158.11 per month for electricity, using an typical of 1,227 kWh. Smaller units, including efficiencies and condos, are also part of the numbers cited in the earlier sentence.
In November 2024, the average electricity rate in Audubon County, IA is 12.89¢ per kWh.
Before any incentives, a 10 kW solar panel installation is priced at around $0, after the 30% federal tax credit, the price drops to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Audubon County
Displayed on the left and below is the cost analysis for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Audubon County. The initial cost for more extensive solar systems is larger, but they also yield greater electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator, situated below and to the right, offers a breakdown of costs and benefits using an average $158.11 electric bill for Audubon County. If you seek tailored results, change the $158.11 to your typical electricity bill amount.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,161 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $97
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.08 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 95 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,137 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,355 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $113
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.42 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 111 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,993 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,548 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $129
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.77 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 127 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,849 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,742 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $145
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.11 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 143 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,705 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,936 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,889 kWh
Est. monthly savings $158
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.39 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 156 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,386 mi less a year
Audubon County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. If you think you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.
Most people are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a practical investment in various areas of the country. Furthermore, several state and local efforts are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Iowa has 9 solar rebate and incentive initiatives available from a number of utilities and government agencies.
Solar incentives in IAIncentive Description Value
Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit (Personal)
Value:Up to $5,000
Iowa residents who purchase and use solar energy devices may be entitled to an individual tax credit in place of the Iowa Production Tax Credit. The total credit a taxpayer may claim equals 50% of the equivalent federal credit up to $5,000. The Department of Revenue will carry over excess credits for a maximum of ten years. Applicants should submit paperwork for this credit only after the system is installed and operational. Credits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional information is available from the Iowa Department of Revenue website.
Waverly Light & Power - Residential Solar Thermal Rebates
Value:Up to $3,500
Residential Waverly Light and Power customers may be entitled to a one-time rebate on new solar water heaters. Rebate awards are contingent upon the property owner obtaining necessary permits from their county and installing the system through a participating contractor. Each address, rather than each homeowner, may only receive one rebate. As funding for the rebate program is limited each year, applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested customers may apply or find more information on the WL&P website.
Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit (Corporate)
Value:Up to $20,000
Iowa businesses that purchase and use solar energy devices may be entitled to a corporate tax credit in place of the Iowa Production Tax Credit. The total credit a commercial entity may claim equals 50% of the equivalent federal credit up to $20,000. The Department of Revenue will carry over excess credits for a maximum of ten years. Applicants should submit paperwork for this credit only after the system is installed and operational. Credits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional information is available from the Iowa Department of Revenue website.
Waverly Light & Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates
Value:Varies
Residential Waverly Light and Power customers may be entitled to a variety of rebates on energy efficient projects and equipment. Qualifying projects and programs change from time to time. Current offers include rebates on water heaters, heat pumps, insulation, central HVAC, and some home appliances. Some weatherization projects may be completed at no expense to the homeowner. Additional information is available through the WL&P website.
City of Dubuque - Solar Thermal Licensing Requirement
Value:Varies
Solar contractors intending to install a thermal system on Dubuque property must obtain a specialized license from the city in addition to state contracting licenses, journeymen's permits, or applicable municipal building permits. PV systems do not need a Dubuque license. The simplest qualification for most contractors is a minimum NABCEP Solar Thermal certification. Alternatively, installation workers may complete vocational education from Northeast IA Community College. Additional information is available on the Dubuque city website.
Mandatory Utility Green Power Option
Value:Varies
By Iowa law, all electric utilities operating within the state must offer green or renewable energy options when customers request a line extension or first connect to the electrical grid. The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) keeps track of each utility's options and distributed energy tariff programs. Additional information is available from the IUB website.
Ames Electric Department - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Value:Varies
Ames residents looking to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy equipment may be entitled to a variety of financial incentives from the city's municipal utility. Qualifying projects and programs will vary over time. Current rebate offers include central HVAC with load control and ENERGY STAR certified home appliances. An additional program incentivizes new home construction that considers ENERGY STAR building standards. Interested homeowners may schedule a free in-home energy efficiency audit with an Ames Electric Services representative. At the time of the audit, the representative may provide equipment to immediately improve home efficiency, including LED bulbs or pipe insulation. Additional information is available from the Ames city website.
IADG Energy Bank Revolving Loan Program
Value:Varies
The Iowa Area Development Group, together with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, manages a revolving loan fund for businesses within the state to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Loans are available at no interest and will be serviced by IADG or one of the fund's lending partners. Projects funded by these loans should be geared toward cost-efficacy and productivity for the business and job creation for the state. Additional information is available from the IADG website.
Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption
Value:Varies
Solar PV, hydro, and wind energy devices in Iowa are exempt from state sales tax. All solar and hydro system equipment qualifies by default; for wind systems, system, manufacturing, and installation costs are all exempt. Additional information is available from the Iowa Department of Revenue website.
Are solar panels worth it in Audubon County, IA?
Intending to stay in your house beyond the solar payback period? Solar panels are a wise investment in Audubon County. Having a 5 kW solar system in Audubon County, IA can potentially save you roughly $37,946.4 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Audubon County, IA
In addition to missing out on the savings mentioned above, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news reports have shown that complete dependence on your utility isn't always the best option.
Audubon County utilities have recorded 0.9 outages per customer per year recently. Each outage, on average, lasts for 93.12 minutes. In the case of major events like hurricanes, aging infrastructure, or wildlife damage, this period can rise substantially.
See the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Audubon County.
A solar energy system, regardless of whether it has a backup battery or not, can relieve the strain of future power outages you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Audubon County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Audubon County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel setups come with a larger price tag, yet the cost per watt decreases as the size of the system expands. It is often advantageous for consumers to install a solar system that can produce enough electricity to fully cover their electric bill, which leads to significant savings.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels and mounting equipment come in a variety of makes and models. Because the installer you select might have specific brand preferences, picking a recommended company is especially important. Investing in superior quality materials can result in a much better long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. These panels are more expensive, yet they generate more energy. Most installers often utilize panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - Every home and property is unique. Sloping terrain, trees, or v can increase the complexity of the installation. These days, most solar installers can assess your home using satellite images and include these considerations for the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wages that companies offer their employees differ, and these costs are ultimately shown in consumer prices. Reviews for services and customer service are often higher for businesses that pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by varying local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reputable local installers will incorporate these numbers into your initial quotes to prevent any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Audubon County cities
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Who are the best solar installers in Audubon County?
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Audubon County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Audubon County, IA as of November, 2024 is $0/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Audubon County, IA drops to roughly $0.
In Iowa, you have access to 9 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
Even though cash payments offer the greatest savings, numerous financing options for solar panels today are also advantageous. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, the average time to recoup the cost of 5 kW solar panels in Audubon County, IA is 0 years, with homeowners saving an average of $37,946.4 on electricity over 20 years.