Solar Panels Cost $16k-$27k in Benton County, IA | February, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Benton County, IA in 2025?
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For the month of February, 2025, the price per watt of a solar panel installation in Benton County, IA is $3.94/W.
Based on the cost per watt, we are able to conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacounty will require an investment of $3,940 for installation. A 5 kW solar system in Benton County is typically about $13,790 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. It's important to note that a higher capacity system could be required to adequately cover your energy consumption.
On the left-hand side, you can choose your county to find out the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Outlined below are the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Benton County: $13,790US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Benton County: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Benton County: $21,333US Average: $16,301
Solar Potential in Benton County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Benton County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Benton County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Benton County typically pay 170.97 per month for electricity, with an average monthly usage of1,179 kWh. Compact living spaces, such as apartments and cottages, are also considered in the statistics cited in the prior sentence.
As of February 2025, the average rate for electricity per kWh in Benton County, IA amounts to 14.5¢.
Currently, a 10 kW setup will be priced at around $39,400upfront, but thanks to the federal tax credit, you receive 30% back, reducing the total to $27,580.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Benton County
Available below and to the left is the price structure for multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in Benton County. The initial cost for larger solar systems is greater, but they also offer more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
View a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator to the right and below, for an average electric bill of $170.97 in Benton County. To get customized results, easily adjust the $170.97to reflect your average 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 $1,340 a year
Est. Price
$16,548
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $112
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.86 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 131 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,082 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,563 a year
Est. Price
$19,306
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $130
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.34 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 153 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,263 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,787 a year
Est. Price
$22,064
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $149
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.82 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 175 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,443 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,010 a year
Est. Price
$24,822
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $167
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.29 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 197 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,624 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,233 a year
Est. Price
$27,580
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,889 kWh
Est. monthly savings $171
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.38 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 201 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,846 mi less a year
Benton County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your solar or wind turbine project. Believe you fall into this category? Verify your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
The 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar is offered to most homeowners, which makes solar energy a wise choice in numerous regions nationwide. There are also a range of state and local efforts aimed at increasing solar energy use.
Various utilities and government organizations in Iowa have 9 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Benton County, IA?
Homeowners in Benton County who expect to live in their residence beyond the payback period of their solar system will find solar panels an obvious choice. In Benton County, IA, the installation of a 5 kW solar system can save you an average of $27,242.8 over 20 years, with an average break even point of 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Benton County, IA
Forgoing the installation of solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in missing the earlier mentioned savings and total reliance on your electric utility for power. Several recent examples in the news have revealed that total dependence on your utility company isn't always ideal.
Yearly, the utilities in Benton County have recorded about 1.24 outages per customer. Typically, outages have an average duration of 88.79 minutes. However, during significant events such as tornadoes, grid management errors, or wildlife damage, these times can drastically increase.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Benton County.
Owning a solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could reduce the strain of any future outages you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Benton County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Benton County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is greater. Individuals often realize that installing a solar system to offset their electric bill is a beneficial decision, resulting in the most savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels are offered in a range of makes and models. The potential system preferences of your selected installer make it crucial to pick a highly rated company. For a better long-term experience, buyers should consider superior quality makes and models.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. They have a higher price but are better at generating energy. The majority of solar panel installers use panels made of this material.
Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Trees, irregular terrain, or other impediments may complicate the installation process. Today, the many solar installers can evaluate your home with satellite images and factor in these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The varied employee wages paid by companies cause costs that consumers ultimately paying . Companies that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees vary locally and will impact your installation cost. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to ensure transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Benton County cities
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Who are the best solar installers in Benton County?
As of February, 2025, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Benton County, IA is $3.94/W. In Benton County, IA, the cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system is approximately $13,790 after applying the federal tax credit.
Iowa offers 9 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. In addition, nearly all people are eligible for the 30%federal tax credit.
Even though paying cash yields the most savings, there are now several financing options for solar panels that also are cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.
Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Benton County, IA averages 7 years, with electricity savings of about $27,242.8 over 20 years.