Solar Panels Cost 8.1k-19k in Cherokee, IA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $8.1k-$19k in Cherokee, IA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Cherokee, IA in 2024?

To go solar in Cherokee, IA in October, 2024 costs $3.89/W.

According to the rate per watt, solar panel installations will cost you, on average, $3,890 per 1K (or 1000 watts) of production capacity. When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar system in Cherokee will cost around $13,615. In accordance with your energy consumption habits, your home might require a larger system.

On the left, select your county to see the average roof size and the maximum generation capacity for residential solar on homes in your area. Outlined below are the price, 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.
Cherokee: $13,615US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Cherokee: 13 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Cherokee: $1,977US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Cherokee

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

Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.

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

In Cherokee, the typical electric bill for an energy user is $89.28, with a typical monthly usage of 804 kWh. Be mindful that this number includes data from apartments and other smaller homes with lower energy needs.

In October 2024, the average electricity rate in Cherokee, IA is 11.11¢ per kWh.

If your household uses an average amount of electricity in Cherokee, you will need a solar system of 7 kW or higher to fully satisfy your full electricity consumption demands. At this time, a 7 kW solar installation costs around $27,230 initially, with the 30% federal tax credit, the cost comes to $19,061.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Cherokee

Displayed below and to the left, is a thorough cost analysis for multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Cherokee. A more extensive solar array will obviously cost more, but it will also provide more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

Using the solar panel cost calculator located to the right and below, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $89.28 in Cherokee. Swap the $89.28 with your usual electricity bill for custom results.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $491 a year
Est. Price
$8,169
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,467 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $41
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.09 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 96 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,175 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $655 a year
Est. Price
$10,892
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $55
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.79 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 128 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,900 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $819 a year
Est. Price
$13,615
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $68
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.48 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 160 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,625 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $983 a year
Est. Price
$16,338
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $82
  • Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.18 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 192 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,350 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,146 a year
Est. Price
$19,061
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $89
  • Full payback in 18 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.54 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 209 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,249 mi less a year

Cherokee Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Believe you qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to see if you are eligible.

For residential solar installations, nearly all homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. Furthermore, several state and local efforts are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.

Iowa residents have access to 5 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from various utilities and governmental bodies.

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?

If your plan is to stay in your home past the time it takes to pay off your solar system, opting for solar panels is a smart move in Cherokee. In Cherokee, IA, a 5 kW solar system installation might save you $7,812.2 on average over 20 years, with a usual break even point of 13 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Cherokee, IA

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

Each year, customers in Cherokee have encountered approximately 0.86 utility outages.Yearly, customers in Cherokee have dealt with approximately 0.86 utility outages. On average, the length of an outage is 88.68 minutes. Major events like grid management errors, heavy rain and flooding or planned maintenance can cause these durations to rise considerably.

With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could reduce the effects of future power interruptions you might face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Cherokee County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Cherokee, IA?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, yet the average cost per watt falls as the system size expands. Most homeowners see the advantage in installing a solar setup that can make enough power to cover their entire electric bill, ensuring significant savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, just like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. Taking into account the specific brand preferences an installer might have, choosing a recommended company is important. Better quality models generally provide a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - For good reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry. These panels are more expensive, yet they offer more energy. Most installers tend to use panels crafted from this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Uneven ground, trees, or additional obstacles may add to the difficulty of the installation. Many solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and include these factors in the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs related to the varied wages offered by companies to their employees are passed on to the consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees frequently receive higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be impacted by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, reputable local installers will be able to integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes so there are no surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other IA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Cherokee?

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.

Cherokee, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Cherokee, IA as of October, 2024 is $3.89/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Cherokee, IA drops to roughly $13,615.

  • Iowa offers 5 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Paying cash provides the most savings, yet there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also advantageous. Financing partners are often associated with many installers, and this will be detailed in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Cherokee, IA is 13 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $7,812.2.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01