Solar Panels Cost $10k-$20k in Dallas County, IA | November, 2024
High Power Bills?
Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar
No data available
How much do solar panels cost in Dallas County, IA in 2024?
No data available
It costs, on average, $3.7 per watt to have solar installed in the month of November, 2024 in Dallas County, IA.
You should expect costs to be $3,700, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your solar panel system will need to generate. Subtracting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel install in Dallas County typically costs $12,950. However, it’s important to take into account that a higher capacity system may be needed to ensure your energy requirements are met.
Select your county from the menu on the left to find the average roof size and maximum solar panel system capacity for homes in your area. Displayed 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.
Dallas County: $12,950US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Dallas County: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Dallas County: $8,315US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Dallas County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Dallas County.
Roof size 876sq. ft.
Capacity 12.25kW DC
Electricity 14.8kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Dallas County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
An energy consumer in Dallas County generally uses 908 kWh per month, leading to an average electric bill of 111.73. Bear in mind that this figure includes smaller residences including apartments, known for lower energy needs.
As of November 2024, the average rate for electricity per kWh in Dallas County, IA is 12.31¢.
Initially, an 8 kW solar system is priced at about $29,600, with the federal tax credit providing 30% back, reducing the price to $20,720.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Dallas County
On your left, we have provided a detailed cost breakdown for the multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Dallas County. The larger the solar array, the larger the initial expense, but also the more considerable electricity savings and income tax credits you'll gain.
In the calculator provided to the right and below, you will find a breakdown of solar panel costs and benefits, calculated with an average $111.73 electric bill for Dallas County. Replace the $111.73 with your average electricity bill to get more detailed 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 $715 a year
Est. Price
$10,360
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $60
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.26 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 104 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,604 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $893 a year
Est. Price
$12,950
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $74
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.83 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 130 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,005 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,072 a year
Est. Price
$15,540
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $89
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.4 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 156 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,406 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,251 a year
Est. Price
$18,130
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $104
Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.96 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 182 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,807 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,429 a year
Est. Price
$20,720
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $112
Full payback in 15 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
Dallas County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant currently offers between 80% and 100% coverage for the installation costs of solar or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. If you think you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, making solar attractive and practical for a variety of homeowners. Additionally, numerous state and local programs aim to promote further adoption of solar energy.
Various utilities and government entities in Iowa provide 9 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Dallas County, IA?
For those in Dallas County looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make good sense. Having a 5 kW solar system in Dallas County, IA can potentially save you around $13,865.2 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 10 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Dallas County, IA
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings discussed previously and are entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have revealed that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always the most favorable condition.
Annually, customers in Dallas County experience about 0.9 outages. On average, the length of an outage is 93.12 minutes. Major events like winter storms, wildlife damage, or overloaded power grids can cause these durations to rise considerably.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Dallas County.
A solar panel system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could help reduce the impact of future outages you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Dallas County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Dallas County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is greater, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often discover that setting up a solar system that can offset their entire electric bill is advantageous, ensuring optimal savings.
Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels are available in a wide variety of makes and models. Considering the system preferences that your installer may have, it's important to select a reputable contractor. For a superior long-term experience, buyers should consider better quality models.
Solar Panel Type - For good reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard. They come with a higher price, but they generate more energy. Many solar panel installers choose this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as trees, sloped land, or additional considerations can make the installation more challenging. Nowadays, most solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and incorporate these considerations in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The costs connected to the varying wages offered by companies to their employees are passed on to the consumers. Companies that invest in higher wages usually see higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees change locally and will impact your installation cost. Good installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Dallas County cities
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Dallas County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Dallas County, IA is $3.7/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Dallas County, IA drops to roughly $12,950.
As of now, there are 9 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government entities in Iowa. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Even though paying cash yields the most savings, there are now several financing options for solar panels that also are financially sensible. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will include this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Dallas County, IA is 10 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $13,865.2.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
