Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Buchanan County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Buchanan County, IA in 2024?
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Getting solar installed is about $0/W in the month of November, 2024 in Buchanan County, IA.
Utilizing this cost, we can come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your panels can produce you will have to invest $0 to have your solar panels installed. In Buchanan County, the price of a 5 kW solar panel install is typically $0, after a 30% federal tax credit. In accordance with your electricity consumption, you may require a larger system.
By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. The following analysis, below, highlights 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.
Buchanan County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Buchanan 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.
Buchanan County: $41,554US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Buchanan County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Buchanan County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Buchanan County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average electricity bill for a Buchanan County resident is 173.14, with a monthly consumption of 1,253 kWh. Small homes, including bungalows and apartments, are also part of the statistics indicated in the previous sentence.
In November 2024, the mean electricity rate in Buchanan County, IA amounts to 13.82¢ per kWh.
Currently, an 11 kW solar system will set you back about $0at first, but thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, you get a 30% reimbursement, reducing the total to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Buchanan County
On the left, you will find a cost breakdown for multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Buchanan County. Naturally, a more extensive solar system means a higher initial investment, but it also leads to greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
The solar panel calculator, located down and to the right, offers a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $173.14 electric bill for Buchanan County. If you want more personalized results, just change the $173.14 to whatever your usual electricity bill is.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,459 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $122
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.99 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 137 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,407 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,668 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $139
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.42 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 157 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,465 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,876 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $156
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.85 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 177 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,523 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,084 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,889 kWh
Est. monthly savings $173
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.26 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 196 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,539 mi less a year
System Size 11kW
Roof Size Min. space required
787 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,293 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 11kWthis system
Est. yearly production 16,377 kWh
Est. monthly savings $173
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.26 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 196 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,539 mi less a year
Buchanan 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 agricultural businesses. If you feel you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.
Adding residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, offered to nearly all homeowners, making it a smart option for many areas throughout the United States. State and local governments offer various programs to further encourage the switch to solar energy.
Residents of Iowa can access 9 solar rebate and incentive programs from a number of utilities and governmental organizations.
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 Buchanan County, IA?
If your goal is to keep your home well past the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an clear choice in Buchanan County. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Buchanan County, IA could save you around $41,553.6, with the average break even time being 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Buchanan County, IA
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you lose out on the earlier mentioned savings and are entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. As we have seen in many recent news reports, complete reliance on your utility is not always ideal.
The utilities in Buchanan County have recorded about 0.69 outages per customer per year in recent years. Usually, outages have an average duration of 66.79 minutes. However, during critical events like wildlife damage, overloaded power grids or hurricanes, these times can extend dramatically.
See the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Buchanan County.
Whether or not a backup battery is present, a solar panel system could help ease the impact of future power outages you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Buchanan County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Buchanan County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel setups come with a higher price tag, yet the cost per watt lowers as the size of the system expands. For most individuals, installing a system that can generate enough power to fully offset their entire electric bill is beneficial, providing significant savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels, just like many other products, come in different makes and models. The preferences for brand that your contractor has may make it vital to select a reputable installer. Choosing higher quality materials typically ensures a more satisfying long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and justifiably so. Despite the higher price tag, these panels generate greater energy output. Many installation experts use panels constructed from this material.
Your Property - Every home and property is unique. Uneven land, trees, or v can increase the complexity of the installation. By using satellite images, many solar installers these days can evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Employees get varied wages from different companies, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees frequently receive higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The final price of your installation will be impacted by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by location. That said, experienced local installers will be able to build these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.
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Buchanan County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The cost per watt for solar panels in Buchanan County, IA during November of 2024 averages $0/W. In Buchanan County, IA, installing a 5 kW solar panel system will set you back approximately $0 after federal tax incentives.
Various utility providers and government organizations in Iowa are offering 9 rebates and incentives at this time. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.
Even though paying cash provides the most savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that also are cost-effective. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will include this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Buchanan County, IA is 0 years, with expected savings of $41,553.6 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
