Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Palo Alto County, IA | December, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Palo Alto County, IA in 2024?
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The typical price per watt for solar panels in Palo Alto County, IA in December, 2024 is $0/W.
Applying this rate, you can conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your system can produce you will have to invest $0 to have your solar system installed. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar setup in Palo Alto County will cost around $0. However, bear in mind that you may need a more extensive system to ensure your energy needs are met.
Select your county from the menu on the left to find out the average roof size and maximum residential solar capacity for homes in your area. Outlined below are 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.
Palo Alto County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Palo Alto 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.
Palo Alto County: $44,251US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Palo Alto County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Palo Alto County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Palo Alto County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
On average, Palo Alto County residents pay 184.38 for their electric bill each month and use 1,378 kWh. This number also encompasses the energy needs of apartments and smaller homes.
In December 2024, Palo Alto County, IA's mean electricity rate amounts to 13.38¢ per kWh.
The installation of a a 12 kW solar panel system will set you back approximately $0 before applying incentives, but with the 30% federal tax credit, you can get 30% back, reducing the cost to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Palo Alto County
Below and to the left, you can find a detailed cost breakdown for different solar panel system sizes installed in Palo Alto County. The bigger the solar array, the higher the initial expense, but also the more substantial electricity savings and income tax credits you'll get.
The solar panel cost calculator to the right and below breaks down costs and benefits, based on an average $184.38 electric bill in Palo Alto County Easily change the $184.38 to your typical electricity bill for customized results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,548 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $129
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 15 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,742 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $145
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 17 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,936 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,889 kWh
Est. monthly savings $161
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 19 mi less a year
System Size 11kW
Roof Size Min. space required
787 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,129 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 11kWthis system
Est. yearly production 16,377 kWh
Est. monthly savings $177
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 21 mi less a year
System Size 12kW
Roof Size Min. space required
858 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,323 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 12kWthis system
Est. yearly production 17,866 kWh
Est. monthly savings $184
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 22 mi less a year
Palo Alto County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural farmers and small business owners could have between 80% and 100% of their solar or wind turbine installation expenses covered by the REAP Grant. Wondering if you fit this category? Verify your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
The 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar is accessible to nearly all homeowners, which makes solar energy a smart choice in numerous regions nationwide. On top of that, there are numerous state and local incentives to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Iowa has 9 solar incentive and rebate initiatives available through a variety of utilities and government agencies.
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 Palo Alto County, IA?
If you plan to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Palo Alto County. A 5 kW solar system in Palo Alto County, IA might save you an average of $44,251.2 over 20 years, with the break even point usually being 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Palo Alto County, IA
Not installing solar panels or any other backup energy system results in missing the earlier mentioned savings and full dependence on your electric utility for electricity. The news has recently proven that relying entirely on your utility provider isn't always ideal.
In recent years, customers in Palo Alto County have typically faced 0.8 utility outages per year. The typical duration of each outage is 82.74 minutes. When significant events such as aging infrastructure, tornadoes or wildlife damage occur, these time frames can become much longer.
See the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Palo Alto County.
A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could reduce the effects of future outages you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Palo Alto County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Palo Alto County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Despite the higher initial expense, the cost per watt drops when using larger solar panel systems. For most homeowners, setting up a system that can generate enough power to eliminate their entire electric bill is advantageous, providing significant savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels, like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. As the contractor might have particular system preferences, it's important to select a highly rated company. Choosing superior quality materials generally ensures a more satisfying long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are widely recognized as the standard in the industry, and for good cause. These panels are more expensive but offer a higher energy efficiency. Many installers in the industry utilize panels crafted of this material.
Your Property - Uneven ground, trees, or additional challenges can increase the difficulty of the installation. The majority of solar installers today are able to utilize satellite imagery to evaluate your home and factor in these aspects in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Various wages are paid to employees by various companies, and these costs are transferred to the consumers. Higher wages often correlate with better reviews for companies' work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees change locally and will impact your installation cost. That said, reputable local installers will be able to incorporate these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Palo Alto County cities
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Who are the best solar installers in Palo Alto County?
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Palo Alto County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In Palo Alto County, IA, the mean cost per watt for solar panels as recorded in December, 2024 is $0/W. The installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Palo Alto County, IA will cost about $0 after federal tax credits.
Utilities and government agencies in Iowa are currently offering 9 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
While paying cash provides the highest savings, there are now various financing options for solar panels that are also financially advantageous. Many installers will include information about their financing partners in the initial quotes they provide.
Yes, in Palo Alto County, IA, 5 kW solar panel systems typically pay off in 0 years, and users save around $44,251.2 in electricity costs over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
