Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Tama County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Tama County, IA in 2024?
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It averages out to $0 per watt to get solar panels installed in November, 2024 in Tama County, IA.
According to the rate per watt, you can conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar panel system can generate, you will have to spend $0 for its installation. In Tama County, the cost of a 5 kW system is generally $0, after you deduct 30% federal tax credit. However, please keep in mind that a more extensive system could be necessary to ensure your energy requirements are met.
Choose your county from the menu on the left to find out the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Shown below is a breakdown of 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.
Tama County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Tama 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.
Tama County: $40,010US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Tama County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Tama County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Tama County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Tama County generally pay 166.71 per month for electricity, with an average monthly usage of1,174 kWh. It's essential to recognize that this data covers smaller living spaces such as apartments, with lower energy requirements.
In November 2024, the mean electricity rate in Tama County, IA amounts to 14.2¢ per kWh.
Currently, a 10 kW solar panel installation costs $0 after deducting the 30% federal income tax credit.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Tama County
Displayed below and to the left is the cost analysis for different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Tama County. When you select a bigger solar system, the cost is larger, but it also results in greater electricity savings and a larger income tax credit.
The solar panel calculator, positioned below and to the right, offers a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $166.71 electric bill for Tama County. More tailored results can be achieved by adjusting the $166.71 to your usual bill amount.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,251 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $104
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.61 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 120 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,452 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,459 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $122
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.04 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 140 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,528 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,668 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $139
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.48 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 160 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,603 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,876 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,400 kWh
Est. monthly savings $156
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.91 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 180 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,679 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,084 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,889 kWh
Est. monthly savings $167
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.18 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 192 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,339 mi less a year
Tama County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
If you own a plot or small business in a rural area, the REAP Grant might cover between 80% and 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs. Wondering about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.
Adding residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, available to most homeowners, making it a good option for many areas throughout the United States. Apart from the federal incentives, state and local programs also work to boost solar energy uptake.
A total of 9 solar incentive and rebate initiatives are available in Iowa from 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 Tama County, IA?
If you're aiming to stay in your home past the period required to pay back your solar investment, opting for solar panels is a smart decision in Tama County. A 5 kW system in Tama County, IA will help you save you personally, on average, $40,010.4 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Tama County, IA
Besides missing out on the savings outlined above, not installing solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have indicated that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always ideal.
On average, customers in Tama County have experienced 0.79 utility outages per year recently. Each outage, on average, lasts for 83.47 minutes. In the case of major events like winter storms, overloaded power grids, or vandalism, this period can rise substantially.
View the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Tama County.
Whether it comes with a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could reduce the strain of any future power interruptions you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Tama County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Tama County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems require more upfront investment, but the cost per watt declines as the size of the system grows. Installing a solar system that makes sufficient electricity to eliminate their electric bill is beneficial to most individuals, ensuring savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it crucial to choose a highly rated company. The selection of better equipment can greatly better the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and it's easy to see why. Even with a higher cost, this technology generate more energy. Most installers opt for panels crafted using this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as uneven land, trees, or other obstacles can make the installation more challenging. These days, solar installers can utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and include these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies remunerate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are transferred to consumers. It is frequently observed that businesses with higher wages receive superior reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by changing local permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, quality local installers will be able to build these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.
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Tama County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The average solar panel cost in Tama County, IA as of November, 2024 is estimated at $0/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $0 in Tama County, IA after the federal tax credit is applied.
At present, there are 9 rebates and incentives available to Iowa residents from various utility and government programs. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Opting for cash payments results in the highest savings, but there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are beneficial. Your initial quotes will often contain information about financing options provided by installers.
Yes, on average, the return on investment for 5 kW solar panel systems in Tama County, IA is achieved in 0 years, with electricity savings amounting to $40,010.4 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
