Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Clarke County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Clarke County, IA in 2024?
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Getting a solar system in the month of November, 2024 in Clarke County, IA costs approximately $0/W.
In accordance with the cost per watt, you are able to conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar system can generate, you will have to invest $0 to have it installed. After subtracting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar system in Clarke County typically costs $0. To adequately cover your energy needs, you could need a bigger system.
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.
Clarke County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Clarke 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.
Clarke County: $36,960US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Clarke County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Clarke County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Clarke County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
On average, a Clarke County energy consumer uses 989 kWh and pays 154.00 per month for electricity. Please be aware that this figure covers apartments and smaller residences, which typically require reduced energy.
In November 2024, the electricity rate in Clarke County, IA averages 15.57¢ per kWh.
Currently, an 8 kW solar system will cost around $0 after incentives.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Clarke County
Available below and to the left is the price structure for multiple sizes of solar panel systems in Clarke County. A more extensive solar array will expectedly cost more, but it will also provide higher electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
In the solar panel cost calculator found to the right and below, you can view a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $154.00 electric bill in Clarke County. For results that are more personalized, adjust the $154.00 to match your typical electricity bill.
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 $953 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $79
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 101 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,434 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,191 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $99
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.74 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 126 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,793 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,429 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $119
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.29 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 151 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,151 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,668 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $139
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.84 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 176 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,510 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,906 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $154
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
Clarke County 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 9 solar rebate and incentive initiatives provided by multiple utilities and government 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 Clarke County, IA?
If your goal is to maintain your home well past the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an clear choice in Clarke County. With a 5 kW solar system in Clarke County, IA, the average savings over a 20 period is $36,960, with break even usually occurring at 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Clarke County, 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.
In recent times, the average number of utility outages per customer annually in Iowa has been about 0.65. The average duration of each outage is 58.71 minutes. During severe events like grid management errors, landslides or planned maintenance, these times can grow significantly longer.
Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Clarke County.
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 Clarke County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Clarke County, 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.
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Clarke County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In Clarke County, IA, the mean cost per watt for solar panels as recorded in November, 2024 is $0/W. After the federal tax credit, the estimated cost for a 5 kW solar panel system in Clarke County, IA is roughly $0.
Currently, Iowa residents can benefit from 9 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 typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Clarke County, IA is 0 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $36,960.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
