Solar Panels Cost 8.5k-19k in Council Bluffs, IA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $8.5k-$19k in Council Bluffs, IA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Council Bluffs, IA in 2024?

Having a solar system averages out to $4.07/W in Council Bluffs, IA in October, 2024.

Said another way, solar panels will cost you $4,070 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of generation capacity. Subtracting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system in Council Bluffs typically costs $14,245. Note that a more extensive system may be essential to fully meet your energy needs.

On the left-hand side, you can pick your county to see the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Below, you can see a breakdown 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.
Council Bluffs: $14,245US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Council Bluffs: 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.
Council Bluffs: $820US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Council Bluffs

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

Roof size 554sq. ft.
Capacity 7.75kW DC
Electricity 9.6kkWh AC per yr.

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

Council Bluffs's average monthly electric bill is $88.21, with consumers using an average of 795 kWh. Apartments and other smaller residences with reduced energy requirements are encompassed in this figure.

Council Bluffs, IA's electricity rate is 11.09¢ per kWh in October 2024.

If you’re an average electricity consumer in Council Bluffs, you will require a solar power system sized at 7 kW or larger to cover your electricity needs. At the moment, a 7 kW setup will set you back about $28,490initially, but thanks to the federal tax credit, you get a 30% reimbursement, bringing the cost down to $19,943.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Council Bluffs

Located below and to the left, there is the cost summary for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Council Bluffs. A more extensive solar array will obviously cost more, but it will also provide higher electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The solar panel calculator, positioned down and to the right, gives a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $88.21 electric bill for Council Bluffs. By changing the $88.21 to your average electricity bill, you can get tailored results.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $491 a year
Est. Price
$8,547
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 7.84 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 360 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 19,416 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $655 a year
Est. Price
$11,396
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $55
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 10.46 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 480 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 25,889 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $819 a year
Est. Price
$14,245
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 13.07 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 600 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 32,361 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $983 a year
Est. Price
$17,094
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $82
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 15.69 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 721 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 38,833 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,146 a year
Est. Price
$19,943
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $88
  • Full payback in 19 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 16.86 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 774 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 41,732 mi less a year

Council Bluffs Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural farmers and small business owners could have between 80% and 100% of their solar energy or wind turbine installation expenses covered by the REAP Grant. Believe you might be eligible? Verify your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, rendering solar practical and sensible for a variety of homeowners. On top of that, there are many state and local incentives to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.

Iowa provides 5 solar rebates and incentives from different utility companies 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 homeowners in Council Bluffs who expect to stay in their residence beyond the solar payback period, solar panels make an smart investment. Over a 20 year time frame, a 5 kW solar system in Council Bluffs, IA could save you around $6,925.4, with the average break even time being 13 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Council Bluffs, IA

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the previously noted savings and are fully dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Many recent news reports have highlighted that complete dependence on your utility is not always ideal.

The average number of outages per customer per year in Council Bluffs is 0.93. On average, the length of an outage is 95.6 minutes. Major events like overloaded power grids, winter storms or vandalism can cause these durations to rise considerably.

A solar energy system, regardless of whether it has a backup battery or not, could help relieve the pressure of future power outages you may experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Pottawattamie County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Council Bluffs, IA?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt decreases as the system size increases. Homeowners often find that installing a solar system that can replace their electric bill is highly beneficial. This method results in maximum savings.

Make & Model - Like other industries, the solar energy sector includes a range of solar panel brands and designs. The preferences for brand that your contractor has may make it crucial to choose a reputable installer. Opting for superior quality models can yield a greatly enhanced long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Although the cost is higher, they deliver more energy. Many installers use these types of panels.

Your Property - Challenges like trees, sloping terrain, or additional considerations can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. Solar installers currently typically use satellite imagery to evaluate your home and incorporate these factors into the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs connected to the varying wages paid by companies to their employees are transferred to the consumers. Companies frequently garner higher reviews for their work and customer service when they offer better wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation cost will be impacted by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area. Good local installers will incorporate these figures into your preliminary estimates to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other IA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Council Bluffs?

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

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

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

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

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • 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.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

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

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

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

Council Bluffs, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As recorded in October, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Council Bluffs, IA is $4.07/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Council Bluffs, IA will roughly cost $14,245.

  • Iowa offers 5 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Cash payments offer the highest savings, yet several financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Installers will often include details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Council Bluffs, IA stands at 13 years, yielding average electricity savings of $6,925.4 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01