Solar Panels Cost 8.4k-19k in Des Moines, IA | September, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $8.4k-$19k in Des Moines, IA | September, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Des Moines, IA in 2024?

To go solar in September, 2024 in Des Moines, IA is, on average, $4.02/W.

In accordance with this cost per watt, you can come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar panels can produce, you will need to invest, on average, $4,020 for installation. In Des Moines, you will spend about $14,070 for a 5 kW panel install once the 30% federal income tax credit is factored in. However, a 5kW system may not be sufficient to fulfill your energy demands.

To the left,choose your area to determine the average roof size and the average maximum capacity of solar panels for homes in your county. Below is a complete summary of the costs, 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.
Des Moines: $14,070US Average: $12,598
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Des Moines: 13 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Des Moines: $1,070US Average: $15,732

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.

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

In Des Moines, the standard electric bill is $88.21 per month, and residents use 795 kWh. These statistics also account for apartments and other compact residences with less energy needs.

As of September 2024, the mean rate for electricity per kWh in Des Moines, IA is 11.09¢.

In Des Moines, average consumers need a system size of 7 kW or greater to fully satisfy their full energy consumption requirements. Currently, a 7 kW setup costs around $19,698 after incentives.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Des Moines

Shown on the left, you will find a price breakdown for different solar panel system sizes set up in Des Moines. Although a more extensive solar installation does come with a higher price tag, it also provides greater electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

Check a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator down and to the right, for an average electric bill of $88.21 in Des Moines. To get results more personalized, change the $88.21 to align with your regular electricity bill.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $473 a year
Est. Price
$8,442
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,299 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $39
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.14 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 98 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,299 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $631 a year
Est. Price
$11,256
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,732 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $53
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.85 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 131 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,065 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $788 a year
Est. Price
$14,070
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,165 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $66
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.57 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 164 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,832 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $946 a year
Est. Price
$16,884
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,598 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $79
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.28 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 197 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,598 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,103 a year
Est. Price
$19,698
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,031 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $88
  • Full payback in 19 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.78 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 220 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,833 mi less a year

Des Moines Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant can fund anywhere from 80% to 100% of the expenses involved in setting up solar or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. If you believe yourself eligible, we recommend utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.

Almost all residents can take advantage of a 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making it a practical option in various areas of the United States. Together with federal efforts, state and local programs help to promote the use of solar power.

A total of 5 solar rebates and incentives are available in Iowa through multiple utility companies and government departments.

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 your goal is to own your home well past the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an obvious choice in Des Moines. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Des Moines, IA, you can expect to save roughly $7,100.4 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 13 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Des Moines, IA

Choosing not to install solar panels or a different backup energy solution results in you missing out on the savings mentioned earlier and makes you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The media has shown several cases where complete reliance on your utility isn't always ideal.

Lately, the utilities in Des Moines have experienced an average of 0.92 outages per customer annually. Outages typically last for an average of 94.9 minutes. Major occurrences like high winds, grid management errors, or wildlife damage can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.

A solar panel system could alleviate the strain of future outages, even if it doesn't have a backup battery.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Polk County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Des Moines, IA?

Your Energy Needs - With larger solar panel systems, the cost per watt declines, despite the greater upfront expense. Setting up a solar panel system that can fully offset the electric bill is advantageous to consumers because of the money saved.

Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Your installer’s brand preferences might necessitate selecting a reputable company. The use of superior materials is likely to result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and rightly so. Even though they are costlier, they produce more energy. The majority of installers utilize panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - No two properties or homes are identical. Uneven ground, trees, or other impediments can increase the difficulty of the installation. Nowadays, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and include these considerations in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wage differences between companies cause costs that are passed on to the consumers. Reviews for work and customer service are usually higher for companies that pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - The local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by region, will influence your final installation price. Experienced local installers will integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes to avoid any surprises.

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Who are the best solar installers in Des Moines?

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • 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.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • 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.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

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

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Des Moines, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of September, 2024, the average solar panel installation cost in Des Moines, IA has reached $4.02/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Des Moines, IA will roughly cost $14,070.

  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Iowa are offering 5 rebates and incentives at this time. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • While cash payments offer the most savings, there are now many financing options for solar panels that are also advantageous. Many installers will include information about financing options in their initial quotes.

  • Yes, in Des Moines, IA, the average time for 5 kW solar panel systems to pay for themselves is 13 years, leading to electricity savings of $7,100.4 over a 20-year period.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-09-01