Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Union County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Union County, IA in 2024?
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To go solar is about $0/W in Union County, IA in November, 2024.
Stemming from this price per watt, you are able to come to the conclusion that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can produce you will need to spend $0 to have your panels installed. Typically, the price of a 5 kW solar installation in Union County, after you subtract 30% federal tax credit, is around $0. Your energy needs could need a larger system.
To your left, you have the option to choose your county and determine the average roof size along with the average maximum capacity for solar panel installations on homes in your area. Shown 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.
Union County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Union 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.
Union County: $35,585US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Union County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Union County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Union County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Union County typically pay 148.27 per month for electricity, consuming an typical of 961 kWh. Note that the energy usage for apartments and smaller residences is covered in this number.
The average rate for electricity in Union County, IA in November, 2024 is 15.44¢ per kWh.
Upfront, an 8 kW solar system is around $0, with the federal income tax credit giving you 30% back, lowering the cost to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Union County
To the left, we have displayed a thorough price breakdown for multiple solar panel system sizes set up in Union 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 calculator down and to the right provides a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $148.27 in Union County. Adjust the $148.27 to your typical electricity bill payment for more accurate results.
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 $893 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $74
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.35 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 16 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 865 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,117 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $93
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.44 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 20 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1,082 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,340 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $112
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.52 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 24 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1,298 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,563 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $130
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.61 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 28 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1,514 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,787 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $148
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.69 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 32 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1,720 mi less a year
Union County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for solar or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farmlands. Not sure if you qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify.
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, which makes solar appealing and sensible for a wide range of homeowners. A variety of state and local programs are in place to support the use of solar energy.
Residents of Iowa can access 9 solar rebate and incentive programs from a variety of utilities and governmental 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 Union County, IA?
If you intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Union County. A 5 kW solar system in Union County, IA might save you an average of $35,584.8 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Union County, IA
Besides missing out on the savings highlighted earlier, not installing solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in you being fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. As illustrated by recent news stories, complete dependence on your utility company isn't always the best scenario.
In recent times, utilities in Iowa have averaged an average of 0.65 outages per customer annually. Usually, outages have an average duration of 58.71 minutes. However, during critical events like grid management errors, heavy rain and flooding or planned maintenance, these times can extend dramatically.
Take a look at the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Union County.
Owning a solar panel system, irrespective of a backup battery, could reduce the strain of any future outages you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Union County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Union County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - With larger solar panel systems, the cost per watt decreases, despite the higher upfront expense. It is often useful for consumers to install a solar system that can generate enough electricity to fully cover their electric bill, which results in substantial savings.
Make & Model - Just like many products, solar panels are available in a range of makes and models. The system preferences of your chosen installer can make it crucial to select a recommended installer. Opting for better quality makes and models can yield a significantly improved long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - It's easy to see why monocrystalline panels are now the preferred option in the industry. These panels cost more but produce a higher energy efficiency. Many installers in the industry use panels crafted of this material.
Your Property - Uneven ground, trees, or other barriers can increase the difficulty of the installation. Solar installers today typically use satellite imagery to evaluate your home and include these factors into the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies provide different pay rates to their employees, which are then reflected in the prices consumers pay. It is common for businesses that offer higher wages to get better reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be impacted by regularly changing local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. Good installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Union County cities
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Union County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the average solar panel installation cost in Union County, IA has reached $0/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $0 in Union County, IA after the federal tax credit is applied.
Utilities and government agencies in Iowa are currently offering 9 different rebates and incentives. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Paying cash will ensure the most savings, but these days there are multiple options for financing solar panels that are financially sensible as well. Your preliminary quotes will usually detail financing options available through installers.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Union County, IA is 0 years, with expected savings of $35,584.8 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
