Solar Panels Cost $10k-$21k in Jones County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Jones County, IA in 2024?
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It is approximately $3.82/W in Jones County, IA in November, 2024 to get solar installed.
Each 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacounty will cost you $3,820 for installation. When you consider the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to spend around $13,370, in Jones County, for a 5 kW system. Subject to your electricity consumption, your home may need a larger system.
To the left, you can select your county to determine the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. Displayed below is an overview 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.
Jones County: $13,370US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Jones 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.
Jones County: $14,286US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Jones County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Jones County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Jones County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average electricity bill for a Jones County resident is 139.11, with a monthly consumption of 938 kWh. Keep in mind that the statistic includes both apartments and smaller homes, which typically require reduced energy.
The average rate for electricity in Jones County, IA during November, 2024 is 14.84¢ per kWh.
At this time, an 8 kW setup has an upfront cost of about $30,560, but after a 30% tax credit, it drops to $21,392
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Jones County
Displayed on the left, you will find a price breakdown for different solar panel system sizes installed in Jones County. Bigger solar installations come with a greater cost, yet they also offer increased electricity savings and more generous income tax credits.
Check the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right to see the cost and benefit details based on an average $139.11 electric bill in Jones County. Adjust the $139.11 to your typical electricity bill payment for more accurate 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 $893 a year
Est. Price
$10,696
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $74
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.28 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 105 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,644 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,117 a year
Est. Price
$13,370
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $93
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.85 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 131 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,055 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,340 a year
Est. Price
$16,044
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $112
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.42 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 157 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,466 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,563 a year
Est. Price
$18,718
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $130
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.99 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 183 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,877 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,787 a year
Est. Price
$21,392
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $139
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
Jones County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your photovoltaic or wind turbine project. If you believe you might qualify, we suggest trying our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.
Nearly all residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making it a feasible option in numerous states throughout the country. Additionally, a variety of state and local programs are available to promote solar adoption.
There are 9 solar rebate and incentive programs currently offered in Iowa by multiple utilities and government bodies.
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 Jones County, IA?
If your goal is to keep your home well past the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an excellent choice in Jones County. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Jones County, IA will, on average, save you $20,016.4 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Jones County, IA
In addition to 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 recent examples in the news have shown, full reliance on your utility provider isn't always the best idea.
Each year, customers in Jones County face about 0.66 outages. Each outage, on average, lasts for 57.42 minutes. In the case of major events like wildlife damage, grid management errors or hurricanes, this period can rise substantially.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Jones County.
Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can help mitigate the strain of future outages you may face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Jones County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Jones County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt decreases as the system size increases. A lot of people find it useful to set up a solar energy system that can offset their entire electric bill. This results in maximum savings.
Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels. The preferences for system that your contractor has may make it essential to choose a reputable installer. The use of superior models is probably will result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - There are valid reasons why monocrystalline panels are now considered the industry standard. Although they are pricier, they provide increased energy. Most installers work with panels crafted of this material.
Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges such as trees, sloped land, or additional considerations can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. By using satellite imagery, solar installers can currently assess your home and include these considerations into the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wage differences between companies result in costs that are passed on to the consumers. Higher reviews for services and customer service are often associated with businesses that pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will vary depending on local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to provide transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Jones County cities
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Jones County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the average cost for solar panels in Jones County, IA is $3.82/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Jones County, IA drops to roughly $13,370.
Currently, Iowa residents can benefit from 9 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Paying cash yields the most savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Financing details are often provided by installers and may be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, solar panels systems of 5 kW in Jones County, IA typically have a payback period of 8years, with expected savings on electricity costs of $20,016.4 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
