Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Lucas County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Lucas County, IA in 2024?
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For going solar in Lucas County, IA, the price per watt in November, 2024 is around $0/W.
As a result of the rate, solar panels will cost you about $0 per 1K (or 1000 watts) of production capacounty. In Lucas County, the cost of a 5 kW system is typically $0, after you subtract 30% federal tax credit. Remember, a more extensive system may be needed to fully meet your energy demands effectively.
To the left,choose your area to see the average roof size and the average maximum capacity of residential solar for homes in your county. You can review the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Lucas County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Lucas 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.
Lucas County: $35,227US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Lucas County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Lucas County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Lucas County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Lucas County's average monthly kWh usage is 919, with the typical electric bill around 146.78. This statistic also reflects data from apartments and smaller housing units, which usually use less energy needs.
For November 2024, the mean electricity rate in Lucas County, IA amounts to 15.97¢ per kWh.
At this time, an 8 kW solar panel system costs around $0 before incentives, but after the 30% federal tax credit, the total drops to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Lucas County
To your left, we've provided a full pricing details for the various solar panel system sizes installed in Lucas County. While a bigger solar installation does come with a larger expense, it also brings higher electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator, situated to the right and below, provides a cost and benefit breakdown using an average $146.78 electric bill for Lucas County. Replace the $146.78 with your typical electricity bill to get customized 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 $953 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $79
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.3 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 106 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,693 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,191 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $99
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.87 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 132 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,116 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,429 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $119
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.45 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 158 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,539 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,668 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $139
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.02 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 185 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,963 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,906 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $147
Full payback in 0 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
Lucas County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Eligible rural small businesses and farms might have their solar or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. Wondering if you fit this category? Check your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, which makes solar appealing and sensible for a wide range of homeowners. There are also a range of state and local programs aimed at enhancing solar energy use.
Several utilities and government bodies in Iowa currently offer 9 solar rebates and incentives.
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 Lucas County, IA?
For those planning to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, installing solar panels is a clear choice in Lucas County. In Lucas County, IA, the installation of a 5 kW solar system can save you an average of $35,227.2 over 20 years, with an average break even point of 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Lucas County, IA
Beyond missing out on the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source leads to full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. Recent news coverage has revealed that total dependence on your utility company isn't always the most favorable scenario.
The average number of outages per customer per year in Iowa is 0.65. On average, the length of an outage is 58.71 minutes. Major events like landslides, overloaded power grids, or wildlife damage can cause these durations to rise considerably.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Lucas County.
A solar panel system could reduce the inconvenience of future outages, even if it lacks a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Lucas County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Lucas County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is higher, the price per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Many consumers realize it's a good idea to set up a solar system that can generate enough power to offset their electric bill, because it helps them save more money.
Make & Model - Solar panels come in a range of makes and models. Because the installer might have specific brand preferences, it's essential to select a recommended installer. The selection of superior models can greatly enhance the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - For numerous good reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Even with a higher cost, this technology generate more energy. The majority of installers choose panels made using this material.
Your Property - Each property and home is one of a kind. Sloped land, trees, or other barriers can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. These days, solar installers frequently utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wages employees are paid from their employers are different, and these expenses are transferred to the consumers. It is frequent for companies that provide higher wages to receive better reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be influenced by varying local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. Reliable local installers will incorporate these figures into your first estimates to eliminate any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Lucas County cities
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Who are the best solar installers in Lucas County?
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Lucas County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Lucas County, IA is $0/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $0 in Lucas County, IA after the federal tax credit is applied.
Right now, Iowa has 9 rebates and incentives available through a variety of utility companies and government entities. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Although paying in cash provides the most savings, several financing options for solar panels now exist that are cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Lucas County, IA is 0 years, with expected savings of $35,227.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
