Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Hamilton County, IA | December, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Hamilton County, IA in 2024?
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Getting a solar system is about $0 per watt in the month of December, 2024 in Hamilton County, IA.
It will cost $0, on average, for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar panels is able to generate. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW panel install in Hamilton County typically costs $0. Depending on your energy consumption habits, you might require a bigger system.
Use the menu on the left to pick your county and find out the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar on residences in your area. Below, you can see a summary of the price, 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.
Hamilton County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Hamilton 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.
Hamilton County: $39,156US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Hamilton County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Hamilton County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Hamilton County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Hamilton County's average monthly kWh consumption is 1,155, with the average electric bill around 163.15. This figure also includes data from apartments and smaller homes with lower energy needs.
The rate of electricity in Hamilton County, IA, averaging, is 14.13¢ per kWh in December 2024.
Right now, a 10 kW setup is priced at around $0 before incentives, but after the 30% federal tax credit, the total comes to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Hamilton County
Visible below and to the left is the price structure for multiple sizes of solar panel systems in Hamilton County. More extensive solar installations carry a greater cost, yet they also provide higher electricity savings and more generous income tax credits.
In the calculator located to the right and below, you will find a breakdown of solar panel costs and benefits, calculated with an average $163.15 electric bill for Hamilton County. Simply change the $163.15 to your typical electricity bill for more accurate results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,251 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $104
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 9 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 497 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,459 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $122
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.23 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 11 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 579 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,668 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $139
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.27 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 12 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 662 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,876 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $156
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.3 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 14 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 745 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,084 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,889 kWh
Est. monthly savings $163
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.31 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 14 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 777 mi less a year
Hamilton County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Between 80% and 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. Think you fit this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for adding residential solar panels, making solar power a feasible option across much of the country. Additionally, a number of state and local programs are available to promote solar adoption.
Residents of Iowa can access 9 solar rebate and incentive programs from a range of utilities and governmental organizations.
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 Hamilton County, IA?
If you're intending to reside in your home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise decision in Hamilton County. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Hamilton County, IA, you might save $39,156 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at roughly 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Hamilton County, IA
Apart from missing out on the savings highlighted earlier, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source leaves you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The media has demonstrated several cases where complete reliance on your utility isn't always the best scenario.
In recent years, utilities in Iowa have had an average of 0.65 outages per customer annually. The typical duration of each outage is 58.71 minutes. When significant events such as planned maintenance, grid management errors or heavy rain and flooding occur, these time frames can become much longer.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Hamilton County.
Regardless of whether a backup battery is included or not, a solar panel system could reduce the strain of possible future outages.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Hamilton County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Hamilton County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt is reduced with larger solar panel systems, even though the initial cost is higher. A lot of people find it advantageous to set up a solar energy system that can fully cover their entire electric bill. This results in optimal savings.
Make & Model - Similar to many products, solar panels come in a variety of makes and models. The potential system preferences of your contractor mean that it is it's even more vital to select a recommended company. The employment of superior materials is likely to result in a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have secured their spot as the industry standard, and for valid reasons. Even with a higher cost, this technology yield more energy. Most installers opt for panels constructed using this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Irregular terrain, trees, or additional hindrances may add to the difficulty of the installation. These days, satellite images enable many solar installers to assess your home and include these elements into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The varying wages that companies offer their employees lead to costs that are ultimately borne by consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees typically receive higher reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Regional differences in permitting and utility interconnection fees will affect your installation cost. Quality local installers will integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes to avoid any surprises.
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Hamilton County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of December, 2024, the average cost for solar panels in Hamilton County, IA is $0/W. In Hamilton County, IA, the cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system is approximately $0 after applying the federal tax credit.
In Iowa, you have access to 9 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
Although paying in cash offers the most savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are cost-effective. Many installers have financing partners and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, homeowners in Hamilton County, IA can expect 5 kW solar panels to pay off in 0 years, with an estimated $39,156 in electricity savings during a 20-year span.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
