Solar Panels Cost $10k-$20k in Jackson County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Jackson County, IA in 2024?
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The typical cost per watt of solar in Jackson County, IA in November, 2024 is $3.66/W.
It will cost $3,660, on average, per 1000 watts (1 kW) of capacounty that your solar panels have. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system in Jackson County typically costs $12,810. To fully meet your energy requirements, you may require more than a 5kW system.
Use the left-hand menu to select your area and find the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your county. Below, you can see an outline 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.
Jackson County: $12,810US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Jackson 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.
Jackson County: $15,319US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Jackson County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Jackson County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Jackson County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Jackson County generally pay 140.08 per month for electricity, using an typical of 986 kWh. Smaller units, such as efficiencies and condos, are also covered by the statistics mentioned in the earlier sentence.
The electricity rate per kWh in Jackson County, IA for November 2024 averages 14.21¢.
The initial cost for an 8 kW solar system amounts to $29,280, but after a 30% tax credit, your cost is reduced to $20,496.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Jackson County
On the left side below, you'll find the pricing details for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Jackson County. A larger solar array will obviously cost more, but it will also provide higher electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
The cost and benefit breakdown for solar panels, shown in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $140.08 in Jackson County. Easily replace the $140.08 with your usual electricity bill amount to see more specific results.
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 $834 a year
Est. Price
$10,248
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $69
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.1 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 96 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,197 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,042 a year
Est. Price
$12,810
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.62 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 121 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,496 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,251 a year
Est. Price
$15,372
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $104
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.15 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 145 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,795 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,459 a year
Est. Price
$17,934
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $122
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.67 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 169 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,095 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,668 a year
Est. Price
$20,496
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $139
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 193 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,394 mi less a year
Jackson County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant offers substantial financial support, potentially covering 80% to 100% of the costs for rural businesses and farmlands to install solar or wind energy systems. Curious about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to find out.
For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is accessible to most people, making solar a sensible option in numerous states. Besides the federal incentives, state and local programs also seek to boost solar energy uptake.
A total of 9 solar rebates and incentives are available in Iowa through different utility companies and government 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 Jackson County, IA?
For those in Jackson County planning to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make good sense. With a 5 kW solar system in Jackson County, IA, the average savings over a 20 period is $20,809.2, with break even generally occurring at 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Jackson County, IA
Beyond forgoing the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source results in full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. As shown by recent news stories, complete dependence on your utility company isn't always ideal.
Lately, customers in Jackson County have faced an average of 0.66 utility outages each year. Typically, outages have an average duration of 57.42 minutes. However, during significant events such as aging infrastructure, tornadoes or planned maintenance, these times can drastically increase.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Jackson County.
Whether or not a backup battery is present, a solar panel system could help ease the impact of future power outages you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Jackson County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Jackson County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - The upfront cost for larger solar panel systems is higher, but the cost per watt decreases as the system size grows. Setting up a solar system that makes sufficient electricity to eliminate their electric bill is beneficial to most individuals, ensuring savings.
Make & Model - There are a variety of makes and models of solar panels. The potential system preferences of your installer mean that it is it's even more necessary to choose a reputable contractor. For a more favorable long-term experience, buyers should opt for superior quality equipment.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. They have a higher price, but they produce more energy. Most solar panel installers choose this type of material.
Your Property - Each property and home is one of a kind. Uneven ground, trees, or other hindrances can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. These days, most solar installers are able to utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and include these factors for the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wages that companies pay their employees differ, and these costs are inevitably reflected in consumer prices. Higher reviews for work and customer service are generally associated with businesses that pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by region, will impact your final installation cost. Reputable local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to ensure transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Jackson County cities
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Jackson County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The cost per watt for solar panels in Jackson County, IA during November of 2024 averages $3.66/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Jackson County, IA will roughly cost $12,810.
Currently, Iowa residents can benefit from 9 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Opting to pay in cash provides the highest savings, but there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that make financial sense. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Jackson County, IA is 8 years, with expected savings of $20,809.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
