Solar Panels Cost $13k-$24k in Muscatine County, IA | November, 2024
High Power Bills?
Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar
No data available
How much do solar panels cost in Muscatine County, IA in 2024?
No data available
Getting solar panels installed averages out to $3.88/W in the month of November, 2024 in Muscatine County, IA.
It will cost you $3,880, on average, for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your panels is able to produce. A 5 kW solar system in Muscatine County is typically around $13,580 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. Note that a larger system could be required to ensure your energy demands are met.
Use the left-hand menu to select your area and view the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your county. Below, you can see an outline of the price, 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.
Muscatine County: $13,580US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine County: $17,150US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Muscatine County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Muscatine County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Muscatine County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average monthly electricity cost for a Muscatine County consumer is 152.29, with a typical usage of 1,055 kWh. Bear in mind that this number encompasses data from apartments and smaller living spaces with lower energy needs.
The electricity rate per kWh in Muscatine County, IA for November 2024 averages 14.44¢.
You'll spend $24,444 on a 9 kW setup after including the 30% federal income tax credit in your calculations.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Muscatine County
Presented below and to the left, you will see a thorough price breakdown for multiple solar panel system sizes set up in Muscatine County. When you select a larger solar system, the cost is larger, but it also results in more significant electricity savings and a greater income tax credit.
The solar panel calculator, located below and to the right, provides a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $152.29 electric bill for Muscatine County. Swap the $152.29 with your usual electricity bill for more accurate results.
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 $1,042 a year
Est. Price
$13,580
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.62 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 304 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 16,391 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,251 a year
Est. Price
$16,296
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $104
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.95 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 365 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 19,670 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,459 a year
Est. Price
$19,012
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $122
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 9.27 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 426 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 22,948 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,668 a year
Est. Price
$21,728
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $139
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 10.6 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 487 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 26,226 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,876 a year
Est. Price
$24,444
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $152
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 11.59 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 532 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 28,687 mi less a year
Muscatine County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
With the REAP Grant, up to 100% and no less than 80% of the installation costs for solar or wind turbines may be covered for rural small business owners and farmers. Curious if you fall into this category? Verify your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Most homeowners can benefit from the federal 30% income tax credit for solar panels, which renders installing solar energy a logical choice in several regions of the U.S. Besides this, numerous state and local programs aim to further encourage the adoption of solar power.
Iowa features 9 solar rebate and incentive initiatives offered 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 Muscatine County, IA?
If you plan to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in Muscatine County. Having a 5 kW solar system in Muscatine County, IA can potentially save you around $22,969.6 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Muscatine County, IA
Failing to install solar panels or an alternative backup energy results in missing the savings mentioned earlier and being entirely reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The media has demonstrated several cases where full reliance on your utility is not always ideal.
Yearly, customers in Muscatine County face about 0.59 outages. The average duration of each outage is 58.38 minutes. During severe events like wildfires, vandalism, or aging infrastructure, these times can grow significantly longer.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Muscatine County.
A solar panel system, whether it has a backup battery or not, could reduce the impact of future power outages you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Muscatine County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Muscatine County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is larger, the price per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. For most homeowners, setting up a system that can make enough power to eliminate their entire electric bill is useful, providing significant savings.
Make & Model - Just like many products, solar panels come in a wide variety of makes and models. It's essential to pick a highly rated installer, given the brand preferences that installers may have. Higher grade makes and models typically result in an better long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. These panels are more expensive, yet they generate more energy. Many installers tend to work with panels constructed from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like trees, sloping terrain, or additional considerations can make the installation more challenging. Nowadays, most solar installers are able to leverage satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these factors for the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Different companies offer different wages to their employees, and these costs are eventually passed on to the consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees typically garner higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility level interconnection fees change by area and will influence your final install price. Good local installers will build these figures into your preliminary estimates to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Muscatine County cities
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Muscatine County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As recorded in November, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Muscatine County, IA is $3.88/W. After the federal tax credit, the estimated cost for a 5 kW solar panel system in Muscatine County, IA is roughly $13,580.
Homeowners in Iowa can take advantage of 9 different rebates and incentives from a variety of utility companies and government agencies. Additionally, almost everyone is entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
Although paying in cash provides the most savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are financially sensible. Many installers will detail information about their financing partners in the initial quotes they provide.
Yes, in Muscatine County, IA, 5 kW solar panel systems typically pay off in 7 years, and users save around $22,969.6 in electricity costs over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
