Solar Panels Cost $13k-$24k in Pottawattamie County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Pottawattamie County, IA in 2024?
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In the month of November, 2024 in Pottawattamie County, IA you will pay about $3.85 per watt to get solar panels.
According to this price, solar panel installations will cost you approximately $3,850 per 1000 watts (1 kW) of production capacounty. In Pottawattamie County, the price of a 5 kW panel install is typically $13,475, after a 30% federal tax credit. However, it’s important to realize that a more extensive system could be essential to ensure your energy needs are met.
To the left, you can select your county to view the average roof size and average maximum capacity for residential solar on homes in your area. Displayed below is 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.
Pottawattamie County: $13,475US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Pottawattamie County: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Pottawattamie County: $11,552US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Pottawattamie County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Pottawattamie County.
Roof size 554sq. ft.
Capacity 7.75kW DC
Electricity 9.6kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Pottawattamie County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Pottawattamie County's typical monthly kWh usage is 1,051, with the average electric bill around 128.34. Bear in mind that this statistic takes into account smaller residences including apartments, known for lower energy consumption.
As of November 2024, the average rate for electricity per kWh in Pottawattamie County, IA is 12.21¢.
At first, a 9 kW solar panel installation is priced at $34,650, but after a 30% tax credit, the final price is $24,255.
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Average solar panel costs by system size in Pottawattamie County
To the left, we have displayed a thorough cost analysis for different solar panel system sizes installed in Pottawattamie County. A larger solar array will expectedly cost more, but it will also offer greater electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
The cost-benefit analysis for solar panels, shown in the calculator to the right and below, is based on an average electric bill of $128.34 in Pottawattamie County. Simply change the $128.34 to your typical electricity bill for more precise 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 $893 a year
Est. Price
$13,475
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $74
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 8.91 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 409 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 22,047 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,072 a year
Est. Price
$16,170
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $89
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 10.69 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 491 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 26,457 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,251 a year
Est. Price
$18,865
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $104
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 12.47 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 573 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 30,866 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,429 a year
Est. Price
$21,560
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $119
Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 14.25 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 655 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 35,276 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,608 a year
Est. Price
$24,255
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $128
Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 15.32 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 703 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 37,909 mi less a year
Pottawattamie County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural small business and farm owners might benefit from the REAP Grant, which could cover 80% to 100% of their solar or wind energy installation expenses. Think you fall into this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is accessible to most people, which makes solar power a wise investment in various parts of the country. Furthermore, several state and local initiatives are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Different utilities and governmental organizations in Iowa offer 9 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.
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 Pottawattamie County, IA?
If you expect to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Pottawattamie County. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Pottawattamie County, IA could save you an estimated $17,326.6, with the average break even time being 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Pottawattamie County, IA
Besides the savings mentioned earlier, failing to have solar panels or an alternative energy backup means you being wholly dependent on your electric utility for electricity. As recent news articles have shown, total reliance on your utility provider isn't always the best situation.
Customers in Pottawattamie County experience roughly 0.9 outages per year. Each outage lasts an average of 93.12 minutes. In the case of major events such as winter storms, aging infrastructure, or vandalism, this period can increase substantially.
See the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Pottawattamie County.
A solar panel system could reduce the inconvenience of future outages, even if it lacks a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Pottawattamie County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Pottawattamie County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - When opting for larger solar panel systems, the overall expense is greater; however, the cost per watt reduces with an increase in system size. Consumers often find that setting up a solar system to fully cover their electric bill is a beneficial decision, resulting in the most savings.
Make & Model - Just like many products, solar panels are offered in a variety of makes and models. Given the certain system preferences an contractor might have, selecting a reputable contractor is critical. For buyers seeking a superior long-term experience, opting for superior quality equipment is essential.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have earned their place as the standard in the industry, and for good reasons. Although they are more expensive, they generate increased energy. The majority of installers use panels made of this material.
Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Trees, irregular terrain, or other obstacles may complicate the installation process. These days, satellite images allow many solar installers to evaluate your home and incorporate these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The varying wages that companies offer their employees result in costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers. Businesses frequently receive higher reviews for their work and customer service when they pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - Regional differences in permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation cost. Reputable local installers will include these numbers into your preliminary quotes to prevent any surprises.
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Pottawattamie County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In November, 2024, the typical price per watt for solar panels in Pottawattamie County, IA is $3.85/W. The installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Pottawattamie County, IA will cost about $13,475 after federal tax credits.
Iowa offers 9 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. On top of that, nearly everyone can qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
While cash payments provide the most savings, there are now many financing options for solar panels that are also advantageous. Initial quotes from installers will frequently contain information about available financing options.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Pottawattamie County, IA is 9 years, with expected savings of $17,326.6 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
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