Solar Panels Cost $10k-$21k in Delaware County, IA | December, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Delaware County, IA in 2024?
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To go solar in Delaware County, IA in December, 2024 is around $3.91/W.
As a result of this price, we can conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your system can produce you will have to invest $3,910 to get your solar system installed. In Delaware County, after the 30% federal income tax credit, a 5 kW system will cost you $13,685. A 5kW system may not be large enough to fulfill your energy needs.
Select your county from the menu on the left to view the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Additionally, you can also see a breakdown of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Delaware County: $13,685US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Delaware County: 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.
Delaware County: $14,403US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Delaware County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Delaware County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Delaware County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Delaware County pay an average of 141.47 per month for electricity, consuming 975 kWh on average. Petite homes, such as bungalows and apartments, are also part of the numbers cited in the former sentence.
The electricity rate per kWh in Delaware County, IA for December 2024 is on average 14.52¢.
Currently, an 8 kW solar system costs $21,896 after deducting the 30% federal income tax credit.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Delaware County
To the left side and below, you will see the cost summary for various sizes of solar panel systems set up in Delaware County. With bigger solar systems, the price increases, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can gain.
The solar panel cost calculator down and to the right analyzes costs and benefits, based on an average $141.47 electric bill in Delaware County If you want customized results, change the $141.47 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
$10,948
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $74
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,117 a year
Est. Price
$13,685
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $93
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,340 a year
Est. Price
$16,422
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $112
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,563 a year
Est. Price
$19,159
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $130
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,787 a year
Est. Price
$21,896
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $141
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1 mi less a year
Delaware County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. To determine your eligibility, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to almost all homeowners, making solar power a good investment in numerous parts of the country. There are also a number of state and local efforts aimed at enhancing solar energy use.
In Iowa, 9 solar rebates and incentives are currently available from different utilities and government agencies.
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 Delaware County, IA?
If you're planning to reside in your home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart decision in Delaware County. Having a 5 kW solar system in Delaware County, IA can potentially save you approximately $20,267.8 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Delaware County, IA
In addition to missing out on the savings mentioned above, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by recent news stories, complete dependence on your utility company isn't always ideal.
Lately, customers in Delaware County have experienced an average of 0.66 utility outages each year. The average length of an outage is 54.5 minutes. However, during significant events such as tornadoes, construction accidents, or grid management errors, this duration can grow considerably.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Delaware County.
A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could mitigate the effects of future outages you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Delaware County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Delaware County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is larger. Consumers often discover that setting up a solar system that can replace their entire electric bill is useful, resulting in significant savings.
Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels are available in a range of makes and models. The installer’s preference for brand makes it important to select a highly rated contractor. Superior equipment generally provide an better long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are generally accepted as the industry standard, and for valid reasons. They are pricier but produce more energy. Many professionals in solar installation utilize panels constructed from this material.
Your Property - Elements such as rough terrain, trees, or additional considerations might complicate the installation process. Solar installers now have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and include these factors in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies pay varying pay rates to their employees, which are then reflected in the prices consumers pay. It is frequently observed that companies with higher wages get superior reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of your installation will be impacted by the local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary depending on the area. Quality local installers will include these figures in your preliminary estimates to provide transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Delaware County cities
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Delaware County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As recorded in December, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Delaware County, IA is $3.91/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Delaware County, IA after federal tax credits is around $13,685.
Various utility providers and government organizations in Iowa are offering 9 rebates and incentives at this time. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Cash payments yield the highest savings, yet numerous financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Your preliminary quotes will usually include financing options available through installers.
Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Delaware County, IA pay for themselves in 8 years, with homeowners saving approximately $20,267.8 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
