Solar Panels Cost 7.8k-18k in Cedar Falls, IA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $7.8k-$18k in Cedar Falls, IA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Cedar Falls, IA in 2024?

In Cedar Falls, IA in the month of October, 2024 you will spend about $3.76 per watt to go solar.

It will cost you $3,760, on average, for every 1K (or 1000 watts) of capacity that your solar panels have. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to pay around $13,160 for a 5 kW solar setup in Cedar Falls. Please keep in mind that a bigger system might be needed to adequately cover your energy consumption.

To the left, you can choose your county to see the average roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. Below is an analysis 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.
Cedar Falls: $13,160US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Cedar Falls: 12 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Cedar Falls: $3,921US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Cedar Falls

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Cedar Falls.

Roof size 501sq. ft.
Capacity 7kW DC
Electricity 7.8kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Cedar Falls, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

On average, Cedar Falls residents pay $94.67 for their electric bill each month and use 787 kWh. These statistics also include apartments and other smaller residences with reduced energy demand.

The average rate for electricity in Cedar Falls, IA in October, 2024 is 12.03¢ per kWh.

Average citizens in Cedar Falls will want a solar panel system with a generation capacity of 7 kW or larger to satisfy their full electricity consumption requirements. Installing a a 7 kW solar panel installation will be priced at about $26,320 initially, but with the 30% federal tax credit, you can receive a 30% reimbursement, reducing the cost to $18,424.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Cedar Falls

Located below and to the left, there is the price breakdown for different sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Cedar Falls. The bigger the solar array, the higher the initial expense, but also the greater electricity savings and income tax credits you'll get.

The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, shown in the calculator below and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $94.67 in Cedar Falls. Change the $94.67 to match your average electricity bill payment for custom results.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $536 a year
Est. Price
$7,896
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,467 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $45
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.26 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 104 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,583 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $715 a year
Est. Price
$10,528
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $60
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.01 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 138 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,444 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $893 a year
Est. Price
$13,160
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $74
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.76 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 173 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,305 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,072 a year
Est. Price
$15,792
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $89
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.51 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 207 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,166 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,251 a year
Est. Price
$18,424
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $95
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.8 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 220 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,875 mi less a year

Cedar Falls Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for solar or wind turbines for rural small businesses and agricultural businesses. If you feel you might be eligible, we suggest utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.

The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, making solar practical and practical for a diverse set of homeowners. A variety of state and local incentives are offered to promote the use of solar energy.

Iowa features 5 solar rebate and incentive initiatives provided by multiple utilities and government organizations.

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.

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.

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.

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 Iowa?

For those expecting to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, installing solar panels is a obvious choice in Cedar Falls. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Cedar Falls, IA, you can expect to save roughly $9,560.8 over 20 years, with the break even point usually being 12 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Cedar Falls, IA

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings discussed previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. As we've seen in many recent news reports, full reliance on your utility isn't always ideal.

Recently, the average number of utility outages per customer in Black Hawk County has been 0.92 annually. Outages generally last for an average of 85.88 minutes. During major occurrences like landslides, aging infrastructure, or construction accidents, these times can extend significantly.

Whether or not a backup battery is included, 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 Black Hawk County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Cedar Falls, IA?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems require more upfront investment, but the cost per watt decreases as the size of the system increases. Many people find it useful to install a solar energy system that can replace their entire electric bill. This results in optimal savings.

Make & Model - There are a variety of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Taking into account the certain brand preferences an installer might have, picking a reputable contractor is important. Choosing superior quality equipment usually provides a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry, and deservedly so. They have a higher price, but they provide more energy. Most solar panel installers choose this type of material.

Your Property - Trees, sloped land, or additional considerations can increase the complexity of the installation. Nowadays, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and incorporate these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies compensate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are passed down to consumers. Higher wages frequently lead to companies getting better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by region, will affect your final installation price. Quality installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other IA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Cedar Falls?

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Olson Solar Energy

Onalaska, WI(608) 780-2347

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Cedar Falls, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The average solar panel cost in Cedar Falls, IA as of October, 2024 is estimated at $3.76/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Cedar Falls, IA will roughly cost $13,160.

  • Currently, Iowa residents can benefit from 5 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. On top of that, nearly everyone can qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying cash provides the most savings, yet there are many financing options available today for solar panels that are also beneficial. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be included in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Cedar Falls, IA is 12 years, with expected savings of $9,560.8 on electricity over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01