Solar Panels Cost $10k-$21k in Polk County, IA | February, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Polk County, IA in 2025?
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For the month of February, 2025, the cost per watt for going solar in Polk County, IA is $3.92/W, on average.
Stemming from the rate, you can come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar system can generate, you will need to invest $3,920 to have it installed. Typically, the expense for a 5 kW solar setup in Polk County, after the 30% federal tax credit, comes to $13,720. Remember, a bigger system may be essential to ensure your energy needs are met effectively.
By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for residential solar on homes in your area. The following summary, below, highlights the price, payback period, and 20-year average 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.
Polk County: $13,720US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Polk County: 12 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Polk County: $4,179US Average: $16,301
Solar Potential in Polk County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Polk County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Polk County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
An energy consumer in Polk County typically uses 855 kWh per month, leading to an average electric bill of 99.08. These statistics also reflects the energy consumption patterns of smaller residences, such as apartments.
In February 2025, the electricity rate in Polk County, IA averages 11.58¢ per kWh.
Before incentives, an 8 kW solar installation is priced at about $31,360, with the federal tax credit providing 30% back, reducing the price to $21,952.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Polk County
To the left and below, you can find a detailed price breakdown for various solar panel system sizes installed in Polk County. A bigger solar array will naturally cost more, but it will also provide higher electricity savings and increased income tax credits.
The breakdown of costs and benefits for solar panels, displayed in the calculator to the right and below, is based on an average electric bill of $99.08 in Polk County. If you desire personalized results, modify the $99.08 to your average electricity bill amount.
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 $688 a year
Est. Price
$10,976
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,732 kWh
Est. monthly savings $57
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.87 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 132 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,103 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $860 a year
Est. Price
$13,720
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,165 kWh
Est. monthly savings $72
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.59 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 165 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,879 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,032 a year
Est. Price
$16,464
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,598 kWh
Est. monthly savings $86
Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.3 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 198 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,654 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,204 a year
Est. Price
$19,208
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,031 kWh
Est. monthly savings $99
Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.96 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 228 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,268 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,376 a year
Est. Price
$21,952
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,464 kWh
Est. monthly savings $99
Full payback in 18 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.96 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 228 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,268 mi less a year
Polk County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
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 fit this category? Check your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For residential solar projects, most people are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit, making solar a practical solution in numerous parts of the country. State and local efforts are also in place to enhance the growth of solar energy use.
A variety 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 Polk County, IA?
For homeowners in Polk County planning to remain in their homes after the payback period for solar panels, solar energy is a smart choice. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Polk County, IA will, on average, save you $10,059.2 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 12 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Polk County, IA
The absence of solar panels or another backup power source means missing out on the previously highlighted savings and full dependence on your electric utility for power. As recent examples in the news have shown, total dependence on your utility provider is not always ideal.
Recently, utilities in Polk County have averaged an average of 0.9 outages per customer annually. On average, an outage lasts 98.68 minutes. When major events such as construction accidents, equipment failure or earthquakes occur, these durations can increase significantly
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Polk County.
A solar energy system, with or without a backup battery, could help reduce the effects of any future power interruptions you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Polk County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Polk County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is greater, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Consumers often find that setting up a solar system that can fully cover their electric bill is extremely useful. This method leads to greater savings.
Make & Model - There are a variety of makes and models of solar panels. Because the installer you select might have specific brand preferences, choosing a reputable installer is especially important. For consumers wanting a superior long-term experience, opting for better quality models is important.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have earned their place as the standard in the industry, and for valid reasons. Although the cost is higher, they provide more energy. The majority of installers use these panels.
Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges like sloped land, trees, or other hindrances can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. Many solar installers now are able to leverage satellite imagery to evaluate your home and incorporate these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Employees get varying wages from different companies, and these costs are handed down to the consumers. Companies that invest in higher wages usually see higher reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation price will be influenced by the permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by area. Good local installers will build these figures into your preliminary estimates to eliminate any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Polk County cities
The average solar panel cost in Polk County, IA as of February, 2025 is estimated at $3.92/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Polk County, IA is estimated to cost $13,720.
There are 9 rebates and incentives available in Iowa from a range of utility providers and government organizations. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for 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. Many installers work with financing partners and will include this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Polk County, IA is 12 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $10,059.2.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
