Are solar panels right for your home in Iowa? What size system do you need and how much will it cost? Can solar energy lower your electricity bills? This comprehensive guide answers all those questions and more. We break down the costs, savings potential, available incentives, top installation companies, and everything Iowa homeowners need to evaluate whether solar power is a smart investment.
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Iowa
On average, a solar panel system costs around $2.53 per watt in Iowa. For a typical 6 kW home setup, that puts the total price at about $15,180 before incentives, as shown below:
| System Size | Cost per Watt | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.53 | $15,180 |
How does that compare to what you currently pay for electricity? Well, the average Iowa home uses about 865 kWh per month. With utility rates of 11.36 cents per kWh, monthly bills cost roughly $120. Over 12 months, homeowners pay $1,440 per year to power their homes.
| Electricity Usage | Utility Rate | Avg. Monthly Bill | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 865 kWh | 11.36 ¢/kWh | $119.98 | $1,439.76 |
Since the price of solar matches fairly affordable utility rates in Iowa, switching can pay off over the long run. And with the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost for a 6 kW system drops to $10,626.
How Much Solar Do Iowans Need?
Figuring out the right solar panel system size for your home isn‘t too tricky. Just divide your annual household electricity usage by the average peak sunlight hours where you live.
The typical Iowa home uses 28.8 kWh per day or 865 kWh per month. Given the state‘s average peak sun hours of 4.55, dividing the 28.8 kWh daily usage calculates to a 6.3 kW solar array. At $2.53 per Watt plus installation, that‘s a $15,939 system before incentives.
Check the [Iowa sun hour chart][7] for your city‘s specific number to get your solar panel sizing precisely right.
Key Factors Influencing Iowa Solar Panel Costs
Iowa enjoys pretty consistent sunlight compared to states with more varied terrain and weather. But solar panel pricing still fluctuates across locations based on peak sun hours and household electricity consumption.
Here‘s how Iowa stacks up to neighboring states:
| State | Peak Sun Hours | Electricity Rate | Solar Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 4.55 | 11.36¢/kWh | Decent |
| Minnesota | 4.49 | 12.96¢/kWh | Higher |
| Wisconsin | 4.13 | 13.05¢/kWh | Similar |
| Illinois | 4.57 | 13.55¢/kWh | Higher |
| Missouri | 4.57 | 11.99¢/kWh | Higher |
| Nebraska | 4.53 | 10.6¢/kWh | Similar |
| South Dakota | 4.89 | 11.3¢/kWh | Lower |
Iowa‘s flat landscape also favors affordable polycrystalline solar panels over pricier high-efficiency models. But you can go either way depending on your home‘s available roof space.
3 Best Solar Installers in Iowa
Choosing the right installation company is key to maximizing long-term solar savings in Iowa. Here are 3 top options to consider:
| Company | Experience | Equipment/Warranties | Certifications | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EnergySage | 10+ years | High-quality equipment, good warranties | SEIA and DOE endorsed | Excellent |
| The Solar Guys | 10+ years | Top equipment, 25-year workmanship warranty | Local experts | Great |
| All Energy Solar | 20+ years | Proper certifications and accreditations | National company with good reputation | Very good |
Just How Much Can Iowans Save with Solar?
Thanks to reasonable local solar pricing and decent peak sunlight hours, Iowa homeowners can achieve good returns on their investment:
- Typical electric bill: $1,439 per year
- Breakeven point: 10.5 years
- Useful life: 20-25 years
- Total long term savings: $13,678 to $20,877
While payback lags some other states, you‘ll still earn back your initial costs within a decade before enjoying over $20,000 in energy savings over the system lifetime.
Iowa Solar Incentives and Rebates
Iowa focuses its renewable energy support primarily on wind power. But homeowners can still take advantage of incentives like:
- Federal Solar Tax Credit – 30% system cost reduction
- Solar Energy System Tax Exemption – 100% deducted from home value
- Renewable Energy Tax Credits – $1.50 per 1000 BTU solar electricity
- Net Metering – Get credit from your utility for excess solar power
The 30% federal tax credit provides the biggest upfront price cut. But every bit of savings helps improve solar‘s return on investment.
[Link to further reading recommendations]I hope this guide empowers Iowans to decide if solar panels are right for their homes! Let me know if you have any other questions.
