Is there a limit to the amount of solar panels a house can have in Cedar Rapids?

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.

How much to install solar panels in Cedar Rapids?

Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $4.17 in Cedar Rapids. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $41,700 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.

How much do solar panels add to house value in Cedar Rapids?

Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.

What direction should solar panels face in Cedar Rapids?

To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.

How many solar panel installers in Cedar Rapids?

Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 16 verified solar install companies in Cedar Rapids

Solar Energy in Cedar Rapids

Solar Rates, Incentives, Plans & Statistics

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Going solar in Cedar Rapids, IA

In Cedar Rapids, an average home needs a 7kW solar system in order cover most of their electricity needs. Given the average residential price-per-watt of $4.17 in Cedar Rapids, a 7kW system can cost around $29,190 depending on applicable rebates and other factors.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.

Cedar Rapids: $20,850US Average: $18,170

Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.

Cedar Rapids: 13 yearsUS Average: 11 years

Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.

Cedar Rapids: $10,070US Average: $14,954

Solar Potential in Cedar Rapids

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

Roof size 661sq. ft.

Capacity 9.25kW DC

Electricity 10.7kkWh AC per yr.

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Compare solar panels by system size in Cedar Rapids

Get the most value out of your roof by comparing the different benefits a given system size has.

System Size 3kW

Roof Size Min. space required

215 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $741 a year

Est. Price

$12,510

Savings from a 3kWthis system

Est. yearly production 4,270 kWh
Est. monthly savings $62
Full payback in 17 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.07 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 141 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,587 mi less a year

System Size 4kW

Roof Size Min. space required

286 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $987 a year

Est. Price

$16,680

Savings from a 4kWthis system

Est. yearly production 5,694 kWh
Est. monthly savings $82
Full payback in 17 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.09 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 188 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,116 mi less a year

System Size 5kW

Roof Size Min. space required

358 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,234 a year

Est. Price

$20,850

Savings from a 5kWthis system

Est. yearly production 7,117 kWh
Est. monthly savings $103
Full payback in 17 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.11 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 235 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,645 mi less a year

System Size 6kW

Roof Size Min. space required

429 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,481 a year

Est. Price

$25,020

Savings from a 6kWthis system

Est. yearly production 8,541 kWh
Est. monthly savings $123
Full payback in 17 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.13 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 282 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 15,175 mi less a year

System Size 7kW

Roof Size Min. space required

501 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,728 a year

Est. Price

$29,190

Savings from a 7kWthis system

Est. yearly production 9,964 kWh
Est. monthly savings $129
Full payback in 19 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.41 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 294 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 15,861 mi less a year

Current utility bill:

Cedar Rapids solar incentives, tax credit, and rebates

Cedar Rapids has 5 rebates and tax credits that you may be eligable for. Visit the official links for more details to see if you apply.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.
Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $4.17 in Cedar Rapids. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $41,700 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.
Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.
To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.
Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 16 verified solar install companies in Cedar Rapids