Solar Panels Cost 5.2k-15k in Cresco, IA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.2k-$15k in Cresco, IA | October, 2024

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

As of October, 2024, the current price to go solar in Cresco, IA is $3.74 per watt.

Utilizing the cost, you can conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar system can generate you will need to invest $3,740 to have your solar system installed. When you consider the 30% federal tax credit, you will pay about $13,090 for a 5 kW solar panel install in Cresco. It's vital to realize that a bigger system might be needed to fully meet your energy needs.

Use the left-hand menu to select your area and find the typical roof size and the maximum production capacity for solar panels on homes in your county. Below is a breakdown of 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.
Cresco: $13,090US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Cresco: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Cresco: $12,702US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Cresco

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

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

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

The average electricity bill in Cresco, for a usage of 727 kWh per month, is $130.84. Small homes, including micro-apartments, are also included in the statistics cited in the previous sentence.

As of October 2024, the mean rate for electricity per kWh in Cresco, IA amounts to 17.99¢.

To take care of the electricity requirements of an average user in Cresco, a solar panel system of 6 kW or higher is a must. The estimated cost for a 6 kW solar panel installation is $22,440 before incentives, but with a 30% federal tax credit, it drops to $15,708.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Cresco

Displayed on the left side, you'll see a thorough cost summary of the multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in Cresco. Of course, a larger solar system means a higher initial expense, but it also translates to greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

Check a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right, for an average electric bill of $130.84 in Cresco. Personalized results can be obtained by changing the $130.84 to your typical bill amount.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $536 a year
Est. Price
$5,236
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,978 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $45
  • Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.55 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 71 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,835 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $804 a year
Est. Price
$7,854
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,467 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $67
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.32 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 107 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,753 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,072 a year
Est. Price
$10,472
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $89
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.1 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 142 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,671 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,340 a year
Est. Price
$13,090
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $112
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.87 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 178 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,589 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,608 a year
Est. Price
$15,708
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $131
  • Full payback in 10 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

Cresco 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 photovoltaic or wind energy systems. To see if you qualify, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For residential solar projects, most people are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit, making solar a sensible solution in many parts of the country. Moreover, several state and local efforts are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.

In Iowa, different utilities and government bodies offer 5 solar rebate and incentive programs.

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 you plan living in your home longer than the solar system's payback period, installing solar panels is an smart decision in Cresco. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Cresco, IA, you can expect to save around $18,311.6 over 20 years, with the break even point usually being 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Cresco, IA

If you don't install solar panels or an alternative backup power source, you miss out on the previously mentioned savings and your household is entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Complete dependence on your utility is not always ideal, as several recent news reports have illustrated.

Each year, customers in Cresco experience about 1.24 outages. On average, an outage lasts 112.77 minutes. When major events such as planned maintenance, aging infrastructure or tornadoes occur, these durations can increase significantly

Whether equipped with a backup battery or not, a solar panel system can help alleviate the stress of possible future outages.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Howard County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt is lower with larger solar panel systems, even though the initial cost is larger. Consumers often realize that installing a solar system to offset their electric bill is a good move, leading to the most savings.

Make & Model - There are a variety of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Because the installer you choose might have specific system preferences, selecting a highly rated installer is especially important. Superior materials generally provide an improved long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are broadly acknowledged as the standard in the industry, and for good cause. Although the cost is higher, they deliver more energy. The majority of installers use these kinds of panels.

Your Property - Uneven ground, trees, or additional obstacles can increase the difficulty of the installation. Solar installers now have the ability to use satellite images to assess your home and include these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Variations in employee wages across companies result in expenses that are passed on to the consumers. Businesses paying higher wages often garner better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area, will impact your installation cost. Good local installers will incorporate these figures into your initial 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 Cresco?

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.

Cresco, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • In October, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Cresco, IA is $3.74/W. The installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Cresco, IA will cost about $13,090 after federal tax credits.

  • Iowa offers 5 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. In addition, nearly all people are eligible for the 30%federal tax credit.

  • Even though cash payments yield the greatest savings, numerous financing options for solar panels today are also advantageous. Financing options are often provided by installers and may be specified in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, in Cresco, IA, the average payback period for 5 kW solar panels is 8 years, resulting in average electricity savings of $18,311.6 over 20 years.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01