Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Marion County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Marion County, IA in 2024?
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To have solar installed in the month of November, 2024 in Marion County, IA averages out to $0/W.
Expect to pay $0, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your solar system will need to produce. We can conclude this in accordance with this rate price cost above. In Marion County, the cost of a 5 kW system is generally $0, after you deduct 30% federal tax credit. Depending on your energy usage, your home may need a bigger system.
To the left, you have the option to select your county and view the average roof size along with the average maximum capacity for solar panels in homes in your area. Outlined below are the costs, 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.
Marion County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Marion 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.
Marion County: $27,062US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Marion County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Marion County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Marion County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average electric bill for an energy consumer in Marion County is 112.76 and the average number of kWh used each month per household is 928. This datainclude apartments and other smaller residences with lower energy consumption.
Marion County, IA's electricity rate is 12.15¢ per kWh in November 2024.
Currently, an 8 kW solar system is priced at around $0 upfront, but the federal tax credit offers a 30% credit, the cost lowers to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Marion County
On the left side below, the price breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Marion County is displayed. The initial cost for bigger solar systems is higher, but they also yield greater electricity savings and higher 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 $112.76 electric bill in Marion County. If you seek more customized results, just adjust the $112.76 to what your typical electricity bill is.
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 $715 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $60
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.74 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 80 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,305 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $893 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $74
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.17 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 100 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,381 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,072 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $89
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.61 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 120 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,457 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,251 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $104
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.04 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 140 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,533 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,429 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $113
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.3 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 152 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,168 mi less a year
Marion County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
For rural small businesses and agricultural enterprises, the REAP Grant could provide funding that covers between 80% and 100% of the necessary expenses for installing renewable energy systems. Curious about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.
A 30% federal tax credit is offered to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which renders solar energy a feasible choice in various regions in the United States. In addition to the federal incentives, state and local programs also seek to boost solar energy uptake.
A number of utilities and governmental bodies in Iowa provide 9 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Marion County, IA?
If your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, investing in solar panels is a good option in Marion County. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Marion County, IA, you can expect to save approximately $27,062.4 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Marion County, IA
The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings noted earlier and are wholly reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The news has recently pointed out that full reliance on your utility is not always ideal.
The utilities in Marion County have averaged about 0.9 outages per customer per year in recent years. The average length of an outage is 93.12 minutes. However, during significant events such as thunderstorms, wildlife damage, or aging infrastructure, this duration can grow considerably.
Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Marion County.
Installing a solar panel system, irrespective of whether it has a backup battery, could reduce the pressure of future outages you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Marion County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Marion County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is higher, the price per watt declines with larger solar panel systems. Numerous people find it useful to set up a solar energy system that can replace their entire electric bill. This leads to maximum savings.
Make & Model - Like many other products, there are various makes and models of solar panels available. The installer you select may have specific system preferences, so it's crucial to pick a reputable contractor. Buyers who choose better equipment typically enjoy a better long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - There's a good reason why monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. These panels are more costly, yet they generate more energy. The majority of installers usually utilize panels crafted of this material.
Your Property - Every property and home is distinct. Trees, uneven ground, or additional challenges can make the installation more difficult. Many solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these elements in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wages that companies pay their employees are different, and these expenses are ultimately passed on in consumer prices. It is frequent for businesses that offer higher wages to get better reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be impacted by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Marion County cities
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Marion County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As recorded in November, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Marion County, IA is $0/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Marion County, IA will cost approximately $0 after applying the federal tax credit.
Residents of Iowa can currently take advantage of 9 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.
Although cash payments provide the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels now exist that are also cost-effective. Installers will often include details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.
Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Marion County, IA averages 0 years, with electricity savings of about $27,062.4 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
