Solar Panels Cost $13k-$24k in Jefferson County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Jefferson County, IA in 2024?
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The typical cost per watt for going solar in Jefferson County, IA in November, 2024 is estimated at $3.85/W.
It will cost $3,850, on average, per 1K (or 1000 watts) of capacounty that your solar panels have. Typically, the expense for a 5 kW solar installation in Jefferson County, after the 30% federal tax credit, is about $13,475. In accordance with your electricity usage, your home could need a larger system.
To the left, you can select your county to find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panels for houses in your area. You can review 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.
Jefferson County: $13,475US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Jefferson County: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Jefferson County: $16,798US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Jefferson County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Jefferson County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Jefferson County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
For Jefferson County energy consumers, the typical electric bill is 150.20 per month, with a usage of 1,009 kWh. These figures also include apartments and smaller dwellings with reduced energy needs.
As of November 2024, the average rate for electricity per kWh in Jefferson County, IA is 14.89¢.
You will pay approximately $34,650for a 9 kW solar panel installation initially, but the federal tax credit gives you 30% back, lowering the cost to $24,255.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Jefferson County
Below and on the left, you can see the cost breakdown for different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Jefferson County. Naturally, with a more extensive solar system, you will have a higher upfront cost, but the rewards consist of higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator down and to the right breaks down costs and benefits, using an average $150.20 electric bill in Jefferson County To get results more personalized, change the $150.20 to match your typical electricity bill.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,117 a year
Est. Price
$13,475
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $93
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.64 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 121 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,538 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,340 a year
Est. Price
$16,170
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $112
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.17 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 146 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,845 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,563 a year
Est. Price
$18,865
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $130
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.7 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 170 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,153 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,787 a year
Est. Price
$21,560
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $149
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.23 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 194 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,461 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,010 a year
Est. Price
$24,255
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $150
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.26 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 196 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,539 mi less a year
Jefferson County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The financial burden of installing photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural agricultural enterprises and small businesses could be eased with the REAP Grant, covering 80% to 100% of the costs. If you think you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check your qualification.
Almost all residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a viable option in various states in the country. State and local governments offer various programs to promote the switch to solar energy.
A total of 9 solar incentive and rebate programs are available in Iowa from various utilities 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 Jefferson County, IA?
For homeowners in Jefferson County planning to stay beyond the payback period of their solar system, solar panels are the best choice. A 5 kW solar system in Jefferson County, IA could potentially save you $22,573 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point averaging at 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Jefferson County, IA
Apart from the savings noted earlier, failing to install solar panels or an alternative energy backup leads to you being wholly dependent on your electric utility for power supply. Total dependence on your utility provider isn't always ideal, as recent examples in the news have demonstrated.
Lately, customers in Iowa have typically encountered 0.65 utility outages per year. The average duration of each outage is 58.71 minutes. During severe events like tornadoes, aging infrastructure, or construction accidents, these times can grow significantly longer.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Jefferson County.
A solar panel system could lessen the inconvenience of future outages, even if it doesn't have a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Jefferson County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Jefferson County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - The price per watt reduces with larger solar panel systems, even though the upfront cost is higher. Setting up a solar system that produces sufficient electricity to offset their electric bill is advantageous to most homeowners, resulting in savings.
Make & Model - Like many other products, there are various makes and models of solar panels available. It's crucial to pick a highly rated contractor, considering the brand preferences that installers may have. Superior quality materials generally lead to a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are widely recognized as the industry standard, and deservedly so. Despite the higher price tag, these panels produce greater energy output. Many installation experts use panels constructed from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Trees, sloped land, or other impediments may complicate the installation process. Nowadays, the most solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and incorporate these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The pay that various companies offer their employees differ, and these expenses are passed on to the consumers. Paying higher wages frequently results in businesses receiving better reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by area, will affect your installation cost. That said, quality local installers will be able to incorporate these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Jefferson County cities
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Jefferson County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In November, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Jefferson County, IA is $3.85/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Jefferson County, IA will roughly cost $13,475.
Various utility providers and government organizations in Iowa are offering 9 rebates and incentives at this time. In addition, nearly all people are eligible for the 30%federal tax credit.
Even though paying cash offers the most savings, there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that also are cost-effective. Information about financing options is typically included in initial quotes provided by installers.
Yes, homeowners in Jefferson County, IA can expect 5 kW solar panels to pay off in 7 years, with an estimated $22,573 in electricity savings during a 20-year span.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
