Solar Panels Cost $11k-$22k in Winneshiek County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Winneshiek County, IA in 2024?
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In November, 2024 in Winneshiek County, IA you'll spend about $3.94 per watt to have a solar system.
Expect the price to be $3,940, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar system will need to generate. We are able to come up with this number by utilizing the rate price cost. In Winneshiek County, a 5 kW solar panel system will require you to pay, on average, $13,790 after the 30% federal income tax credit. To meet your energy needs, you may need a bigger system.
By selecting your county on the left, you can see the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. Below is an analysis of the costs, 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.
Winneshiek County: $13,790US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Winneshiek County: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Winneshiek County: $19,394US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Winneshiek County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Winneshiek County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Winneshiek County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Winneshiek County residents generally consume 958 kWh of electricity each month, with bills averaging 162.89. Flats and other smaller housing units with diminished energy requirements are covered in this statistic.
The rate of electricity in Winneshiek County, IA, averaging, is 17¢ per kWh in November 2024.
Right now, an 8 kW setup is priced at $31,520, but the 30% federal tax credit lowers it to $22,064
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Winneshiek County
On your left, you will see a detailed cost analysis for multiple solar panel system sizes set up in Winneshiek County. Larger solar installations have a greater cost, yet they also yield greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
In the calculator found below and to the right, you will find a breakdown of solar panel costs and benefits, calculated with an average $162.89 electric bill for Winneshiek County. Custom results can be gotten by changing the $162.89 to your typical 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 $1,012 a year
Est. Price
$11,032
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $84
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 101 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,455 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,266 a year
Est. Price
$13,790
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $105
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.75 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 127 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,818 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,519 a year
Est. Price
$16,548
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $127
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.31 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 152 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,182 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,772 a year
Est. Price
$19,306
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $148
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.86 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 177 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,546 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,025 a year
Est. Price
$22,064
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $163
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.26 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 196 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,539 mi less a year
Winneshiek County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant offers substantial financial support, potentially covering 80% to 100% of the costs for rural businesses and farms to install solar energy or wind energy systems. Think you might be eligible? Verify your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Most people can benefit from the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making it a feasible investment in numerous areas of the country. Numerous regional and state programs are in place to encourage solar energy adoption.
There are 9 solar rebate and incentive initiatives currently available in Iowa by various 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 Winneshiek County, IA?
If you intend to live in your home beyond the time it takes to recoup your solar investment, installing solar panels in Winneshiek County is an smart decision. With a 5 kW solar system in Winneshiek County, IA, the average savings over a 20 period is $25,303.6, with break even usually occurring at 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Winneshiek County, IA
Apart from missing out on the savings noted above, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy solution leads to total dependency on your electric utility for power. Many recent news stories have made it evident that complete reliance on your utility isn't always the best idea.
Over the last several years, utilities in Winneshiek County have had an average of 0.61 outages per customer annually. The typical duration of each outage is 51.77 minutes. When significant events such as planned maintenance, aging infrastructure or thunderstorms occur, these time frames can become much longer.
View the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Winneshiek County.
A solar panel system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could help reduce the impact of future outages you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Winneshiek County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Winneshiek County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - The upfront cost for larger solar panel systems is larger, but the cost per watt decreases as the system size expands. Homeowners often find that setting up a solar system that can cover their entire electric bill is advantageous, leading to maximum savings.
Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels. The installer you select may have particular brand preferences, so it's crucial to select a reputable contractor. Superior quality models generally result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and justifiably so. They come with a higher price but are more efficient. Many solar panel installers use panels made of this kind of material.
Your Property - Every property and home is distinct. Trees, sloping terrain, or additional hurdles can make the installation more difficult. These days, solar installers typically use satellite images to evaluate your home and include these factors into the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wages that companies offer their employees vary, and these expenses are inevitably shown in consumer prices. Usually, companies paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees change locally and will influence your installation cost. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to provide transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Winneshiek County cities
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Winneshiek County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the typical cost for solar panels in Winneshiek County, IA is $3.94/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $13,790 in Winneshiek County, IA after the federal tax credit is applied.
There are 9 rebates and incentives available in Iowa from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Paying cash offers the highest savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Installers typically partner with financing companies and will provide this information into your initial quotes.
Yes, on average, the return on investment for 5 kW solar panel systems in Winneshiek County, IA is achieved in 7 years, with electricity savings amounting to $25,303.6 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
