Is there a limit to the amount of solar panels a house can have in Des Moines?

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.

How much to install solar panels in Des Moines?

Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $4.1 in Des Moines. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $41,000 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.

How much do solar panels add to house value in Des Moines?

Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.

What direction should solar panels face in Des Moines?

To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.

How many solar panel installers in Des Moines?

Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 15 verified solar install companies in Des Moines

Solar Energy in Des Moines

Solar Rates, Incentives, Plans & Statistics

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Going solar in Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines, an average home needs a 7kW solar system in order cover most of their electricity needs. Given the average residential price-per-watt of $4.1 in Des Moines, a 7kW system can cost around $28,700 depending on applicable rebates and other factors.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.

Des Moines: $20,500US Average: $18,170

Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.

Des Moines: 19 yearsUS Average: 11 years

Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.

Des Moines: $899US Average: $14,954

Solar Potential in Des Moines

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

Roof size 661sq. ft.

Capacity 9.25kW DC

Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.

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Compare solar panels by system size in Des Moines

Get the most value out of your roof by comparing the different benefits a given system size has.

System Size 3kW

Roof Size Min. space required

215 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $475 a year

Est. Price

$12,300

Savings from a 3kWthis system

Est. yearly production 4,299 kWh
Est. monthly savings $40
Full payback in 26 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.31 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 106 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,727 mi less a year

System Size 4kW

Roof Size Min. space required

286 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $634 a year

Est. Price

$16,400

Savings from a 4kWthis system

Est. yearly production 5,732 kWh
Est. monthly savings $53
Full payback in 26 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.08 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 142 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,636 mi less a year

System Size 5kW

Roof Size Min. space required

358 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $792 a year

Est. Price

$20,500

Savings from a 5kWthis system

Est. yearly production 7,165 kWh
Est. monthly savings $66
Full payback in 26 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.86 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 177 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,544 mi less a year

System Size 6kW

Roof Size Min. space required

429 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $950 a year

Est. Price

$24,600

Savings from a 6kWthis system

Est. yearly production 8,598 kWh
Est. monthly savings $79
Full payback in 26 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.63 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 213 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 11,453 mi less a year

System Size 7kW

Roof Size Min. space required

501 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,109 a year

Est. Price

$28,700

Savings from a 7kWthis system

Est. yearly production 10,031 kWh
Est. monthly savings $89
Full payback in 27 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 239 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,871 mi less a year

Current utility bill:

Des Moines solar incentives, tax credit, and rebates

Des Moines has 5 rebates and tax credits that you may be eligable for. Visit the official links for more details to see if you apply.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.
Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $4.1 in Des Moines. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $41,000 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.
Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.
To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.
Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 15 verified solar install companies in Des Moines