Solar Panels Cost $10k-$21k in Cerro Gordo County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Cerro Gordo County, IA in 2024?
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On average, in Cerro Gordo County, IA in the month of November, 2024, the price per watt of solar panel installations is $3.86/W.
According to the cost, you should expect costs to be $3,860, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar panel system will need to produce. In Cerro Gordo County, you will pay approximately $13,510 for a 5 kW solar panel system once the 30% federal income tax credit is factored in. A more powerful system might be necessary to fulfill your energy requirements effectively.
On the left, you can select your county to find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels on houses in your area. The following outline, below, highlights the price, 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.
Cerro Gordo County: $13,510US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Cerro Gordo 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.
Cerro Gordo County: $18,116US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Cerro Gordo County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Cerro Gordo County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Cerro Gordo County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Cerro Gordo County, energy consumers usually see an average electric bill of 155.90 each month, with a typical consumption of 942 kWh. It is important to note that this figure also includes data from smaller residential units, including apartments.
In November 2024, the mean electricity rate in Cerro Gordo County, IA is 16.55¢ per kWh.
The initial cost for an 8 kW solar installation will be $30,880, but with a 30% tax credit, your expense drops to $21,616.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Cerro Gordo County
Located below and to the left, you will see the cost summary for various sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Cerro Gordo County. The initial cost for larger solar systems is greater, but they also provide higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
See a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator to the right and below, for an average electric bill of $155.90 in Cerro Gordo County. By changing the $155.90 to your typical electricity bill, you can get tailored results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,012 a year
Est. Price
$10,808
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $84
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.38 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 155 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,376 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,266 a year
Est. Price
$13,510
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $105
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.23 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 194 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,470 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,519 a year
Est. Price
$16,212
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $127
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.08 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 233 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,564 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,772 a year
Est. Price
$18,914
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $148
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.92 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 272 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 14,658 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,025 a year
Est. Price
$21,616
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $156
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.26 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 287 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 15,488 mi less a year
Cerro Gordo County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural farmers and small business owners could have between 80% and 100% of their photovoltaic or wind turbine installation expenses covered by the REAP Grant. Unsure if you qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm.
Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for setting up residential solar panels, which makes solar power a sensible option in much of the country. A multitude of state and local programs are offered to encourage the use of solar energy.
There are 9 solar rebate and incentive initiatives currently offered in Iowa by multiple utilities and government bodies.
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 Cerro Gordo County, IA?
If your goal is to own your home well past the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an excellent choice in Cerro Gordo County. Having a 5 kW solar system in Cerro Gordo County, IA can potentially save you around $23,906 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Cerro Gordo County, IA
In addition to missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not installing solar panels or a different backup energy source results in complete dependence on your electric utility for electricity. As demonstrated by recent news, full reliance on your utility is not always the best option.
On a yearly basis, the average number of outages per customer in Cerro Gordo County has been 0.9. On average, an outage lasts 93.12 minutes. When major events such as thunderstorms, equipment failure, or planned maintenance occur, these durations can increase significantly
View the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Cerro Gordo County.
A solar panel system could alleviate the burden of future outages, even if it is without a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Cerro Gordo County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Cerro Gordo County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is greater, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often find that installing a solar system that can replace their electric bill is highly beneficial. This approach ensures increased savings.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels come in a wide variety of makes and models. Since the contractor might have particular system preferences, it's essential to select a reputable company. For consumers desiring a more favorable long-term experience, investing in higher quality equipment is important.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. They have a higher price, but they generate more energy. Many solar panel installers opt for this type of material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like trees, sloping terrain, or additional hindrances can make the installation more challenging. Most solar installers today utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and integrate these considerations into the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wages that various companies offer their employees are different, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. It is common for companies that offer higher wages to garner better reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by different local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
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Cerro Gordo County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The cost per watt for solar panels in Cerro Gordo County, IA during November of 2024 averages $3.86/W. After the federal tax credit, the estimated cost for a 5 kW solar panel system in Cerro Gordo County, IA is roughly $13,510.
If you live in Iowa, you can find 9 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Paying cash will ensure the most savings, but currently there are several options for financing solar panels that are cost-effective as well. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will detail this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical duration for 5 kW solar panel systems to pay back their cost in Cerro Gordo County, IA is 7 years, with electricity savings estimated at $23,906 over 20 years.
Savings from 
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