Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Mills County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Mills County, IA in 2024?
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On average, in Mills County, IA in the month of November, 2024, the cost per each watt of solar panels is $0/W.
For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar panel system can generate, you will have to invest, on average, $0 to have it installed. In Mills County, after receiving the 30% federal income tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system sets you back $0. It's vital to note that a more powerful system could be necessary to fulfill your energy requirements.
Use the left-hand menu to select your area and find out the typical roof size and the maximum generation capacity for residential solar on homes in your county. Below, you can see a detailed outline of the costs, payback period, and 20-year typical 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.
Mills County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Mills 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.
Mills County: $20,856US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Mills County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Mills County.
Roof size 769sq. ft.
Capacity 10.75kW DC
Electricity 12.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Mills County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Mills County, the typical kWh usage is 791 per month, and the electric bill is 86.90. Remember that apartments and smaller dwellings, which typically have reduced energy consumption, are encompassed in this number.
The average electricity rate in Mills County, IA in November 2024 is 10.98¢ per kWh.
The cost of a a 7 kW setup is approximately $0 before any incentives, but the federal tax credit provides a 30% credit, reducing your total to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Mills County
Presented below and to the left, you will see a thorough price breakdown for multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Mills County. Although a bigger solar installation carries a larger expense, it also provides greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
Using the solar panel cost calculator situated below and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $86.90 in Mills County. Change the $86.90 with your typical electricity bill to get customized results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $491 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,467 kWh
Est. monthly savings $41
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 92 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,960 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $655 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $55
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.67 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 123 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,613 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $819 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $68
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.34 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 153 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,266 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $983 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $82
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 184 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,920 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,146 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
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
Mills County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
For rural small businesses and agricultural properties, the REAP Grant could provide funding that covers between 80% and 100% of the necessary expenses for installing renewable energy systems. Think you might qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your eligibility.
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, making solar attractive and practical for a variety of homeowners. Moreover, several state and local programs are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
In Iowa, 9 solar rebates and incentives are currently available 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 Mills County, IA?
For those planning to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, adding solar panels is a obvious choice in Mills County. A 5 kW solar system in Mills County, IA might save you an average of $20,856 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Mills County, IA
Beyond forgoing the savings discussed previously, not installing solar panels or another form of backup power results in you being completely dependent on your electric utility. The media has demonstrated several cases where total dependence on your utility isn't always ideal.
Annually, customers in Mills County have dealt with approximately 0.9 utility outages.Yearly, customers in Mills County have dealt with approximately 0.9 utility outages. On average, each outage lasts for 93.12 minutes. Major events like tornadoes, planned maintenance, or aging infrastructure can considerably extend these durations.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Mills County.
Whether a backup battery is included or not, a solar panel system could reduce the burden of potential future outages.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Mills County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Mills County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt lowers as the system size grows. For most consumers, installing a system that can generate enough power to reduce their entire electric bill is beneficial, providing significant savings.
Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels. Picking an contractor with specific brand preferences means it's even more important important to go with a recommended company. The choice of high-quality models can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have earned their place as the industry standard, and for good reasons. Even with a higher cost, this technology produce more energy. The majority of installers choose panels constructed using this material.
Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues like uneven land, trees, or other obstructions may add to the complexity of the installation. Currently, most solar installers can assess your home using satellite images and incorporate these elements for the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies pay their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are passed down to consumers. It is typical for businesses that offer higher wages to garner better reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility level interconnection fees differ by area and will impact your final install price. Quality local installers will incorporate these figures into your first estimates to eliminate any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Mills County cities
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Mills County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Mills County, IA as of November, 2024 is $0/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $0 in Mills County, IA after the federal tax credit is applied.
If you live in Iowa, you can find 9 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Additionally, almost everyone is entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
Cash payments provide the greatest savings, but numerous financing options for solar panels that are financially advantageous are now available. Financing partners are often associated with many installers, and this will be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, on average, the return on investment for 5 kW solar panel systems in Mills County, IA is achieved in 0 years, with electricity savings amounting to $20,856 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
