Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Decatur County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Decatur County, IA in 2024?
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To go solar averages out to $0 per watt in the month of November, 2024 in Decatur County, IA.
In other words, solar panel installations will cost you $0 per 1000 watts (1 kW) of generation capacounty. In Decatur County, the cost of a 5 kW solar system is generally $0, after you deduct 30% federal tax credit. To adequately cover your energy consumption, you may require more than a 5kW system.
To the left, you can select a county to find the average roof size and the average maximum generation capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your area. Below, you can see a summary 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.
Decatur County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Decatur 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.
Decatur County: $34,666US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Decatur County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Decatur County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Decatur County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The typical energy consumer in Decatur County has a monthly electric bill of 144.44 and uses 945 kWh on average. Apartments and compact living spaces with diminished energy consumption are included in this number.
Decatur County, IA's electricity rate is on average 15.28¢ per kWh in November 2024.
Right now, an 8 kW setup costs around $0 initially, but after the 30% federal tax credit, the cost comes to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Decatur County
To your left, there is a detailed cost breakdown for the various solar panel system sizes installed in Decatur County. As expected, a more extensive solar system implies a greater upfront cost, but it also leads to increased electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
View a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right, for an average electric bill of $144.44 in Decatur County. If you desire personalized results, adjust the $144.44 to your typical electricity bill amount.
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 $893 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $74
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.21 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 101 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,461 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,117 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $93
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.76 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 127 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,826 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,340 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $112
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.31 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 152 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,191 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,563 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $130
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.86 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 177 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,556 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,787 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $144
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.27 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 196 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,563 mi less a year
Decatur County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
For rural agricultural properties and small businesses, the REAP Grant might currently cover between 80% and 100% of the expenses for installing photovoltaic or wind energy systems. Think you fit this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Most homeowners can benefit from the federal 30% income tax credit for solar panels, which turns adopting solar energy a practical choice in numerous regions of the U.S. In addition to federal incentives, there are many state and local efforts to encourage solar energy adoption.
Multiple utilities and government agencies 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 Decatur County, IA?
If you expect to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Decatur County. In Decatur County, IA, the installation of a 5 kW solar system can save you an average of $34,665.6 over 20 years, with an average break even point of 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Decatur County, IA
Apart from the savings mentioned earlier, failing to install solar panels or an alternative energy backup leads to you being wholly dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have shown that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always the most favorable condition.
Yearly, utility customers in Iowa have faced an average of 0.65 outages per year. Typically, outages have an average duration of 58.71 minutes. However, during significant events such as hurricanes, construction accidents, or aging infrastructure, these times can drastically increase.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Decatur County.
A solar energy system could help mitigate the effects of future outages, whether or not it has a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Decatur County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Decatur County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a greater upfront cost, but the cost per watt reduces. Installing a solar panel system that can cover the electric bill is useful to consumers because of the reduced long-term costs.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels come in a wide variety of makes and models. Because the installer you choose might have particular system preferences, choosing a recommended installer is even more important. The employment of superior makes and models is likely to provide a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry, and it's easy to see why. Despite the higher price tag, these panels produce greater energy output. The majority of installation experts use panels made from this material.
Your Property - Things such as trees, rough terrain, or additional hurdles can cause the installation to be more difficult. Many solar installers today use satellite imagery to evaluate your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wage differences between companies lead to costs that are transferred to the consumers. Companies that pay higher wages often garner higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will differ depending on local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Quality local installers will include these figures in your preliminary estimates to provide transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Decatur County cities
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Who are the best solar installers in Decatur County?
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Decatur County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Decatur County, IA is $0/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Decatur County, IA, after deducting federal tax credits, is $0.
Right now, Iowa has 9 rebates and incentives available through a variety of utility companies and government entities. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.
Opting to pay in cash provides the highest savings, but there are now various financing options for solar panels that are cost-effective. Installers typically partner with financing companies and will incorporate this information into your initial quotes.
Yes, solar panels systems of 5 kW in Decatur County, IA typically have a payback period of 0years, with expected savings on electricity costs of $34,665.6 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
