Is there a limit to the amount of solar panels a house can have in Iowa?

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.

How much to install solar panels in Iowa?

Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $4.25 in Iowa. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $42,450 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.

How much do solar panels add to house value in Iowa?

Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.

What direction should solar panels face in Iowa?

To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.

How many solar panel installers in Iowa?

Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 20 verified solar install companies in Iowa

Going solar in Iowa

In Iowa, an average home needs a 8kW solar system in order cover most of their electricity needs. Given the average residential price-per-watt of $4.25 in Iowa, a 8kW system can cost around $33,960 depending on applicable rebates and other factors.

Select your county by clicking on the map and see the potential generated solar power and panel pricing. See how it compares with the US state average.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.

Iowa: $21,225US Average: $19,594

Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.

Iowa: 15 yearsUS Average: 13 years

Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.

Iowa: $6,387US Average: $11,571

Solar Potential in Iowa

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Iowa.

Roof size 661sq. ft.

Capacity 9.25kW DC

Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.

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Compare solar panels by system size in Iowa

Get the most value out of your roof by comparing the different benefits a given system size has.

System Size 4kW

Roof Size Min. space required

286 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $747 a year

Est. Price

$16,980

Savings from a 4kWthis system

Est. yearly production 5,755 kWh
Est. monthly savings $62
Full payback in 23 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.75 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 126 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,800 mi less a year

System Size 5kW

Roof Size Min. space required

358 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $934 a year

Est. Price

$21,225

Savings from a 5kWthis system

Est. yearly production 7,194 kWh
Est. monthly savings $78
Full payback in 23 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.43 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 158 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,500 mi less a year

System Size 6kW

Roof Size Min. space required

429 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,120 a year

Est. Price

$25,470

Savings from a 6kWthis system

Est. yearly production 8,633 kWh
Est. monthly savings $93
Full payback in 23 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.12 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 189 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,200 mi less a year

System Size 7kW

Roof Size Min. space required

501 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,307 a year

Est. Price

$29,715

Savings from a 7kWthis system

Est. yearly production 10,072 kWh
Est. monthly savings $109
Full payback in 23 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.81 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 221 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 11,900 mi less a year

System Size 8kW

Roof Size Min. space required

572 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,494 a year

Est. Price

$33,960

Savings from a 8kWthis system

Est. yearly production 11,511 kWh
Est. monthly savings $115
Full payback in 25 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.08 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 233 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,566 mi less a year

Current utility bill:

Iowa solar incentives, tax credit, and rebates

Iowa has 9 rebates and tax credits that you may be eligable for. Visit the official links for more details to see if you apply.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.
Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $4.25 in Iowa. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $42,450 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.
Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.
To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.
Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 20 verified solar install companies in Iowa