Iowa enjoys an average of 215 sunny days per year,* surpassing the national average of 205 sunny days. This abundance of sunlight presents an excellent opportunity for harnessing solar power to meet both residential and commercial electricity needs.

Projections from Google’s Project Sunroof indicate that if 85% of buildings in Iowa were to adopt solar panels, the state’s solar electricity production could exceed 5 million MW of AC annually.*

Solar Energy Production in Iowa According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Iowa had 1,500 solar installations in the first quarter of 2021, contributing 75 MW of electricity to the grid. Although this constitutes only a fraction of the state’s total electricity supply, it is sufficient to power approximately 9,500 homes.*

Advantages of Solar Adoption in Iowa The current climate presents an opportune moment for Iowa residents to embrace solar energy for their homes. Over the past five years, solar installation costs have plummeted by 40%, making solar electricity more affordable than grid electricity.

Investing in a solar system for your Iowa home today could yield substantial savings, with the potential to recoup your initial investment within 5.5 to 7.2 years.* Furthermore, installing solar panels enhances property value, with a 5 kW system potentially adding up to $15,000 in value.*

Embracing solar power also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. If 85% of Iowa buildings adopted solar panels, CO2 emissions in the state could decrease by 2.8 million metric tons.*

Cost Considerations The cost of installing a home solar system varies based on several factors, including roof size and angle, local weather conditions, the chosen installation company, solar panel quality, and property energy requirements. On average in Iowa, owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,000 to $15,500, translating to approximately $2.80 to $3.10 per watt, before factoring in available tax credits or incentives.*

Maximizing Solar Incentives To minimize the financial outlay for transitioning to solar energy, homeowners in Iowa can take advantage of various incentives:

  1. Federal Solar Tax Credit: Eligible homeowners can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of the total solar installation cost.*
  2. Net Metering: Iowa offers a robust net metering program, allowing homeowners to receive full credit for surplus electricity generated by their solar systems and fed back into the grid.*
  3. State Energy Tax Credits: While not as substantial as the federal tax credit, local tax incentives in Iowa can still contribute to reducing solar installation costs.*

Selecting the Right Solar Solution Choosing a reputable and licensed solar company is crucial to ensure a seamless transition to clean energy. A reputable contractor will tailor solar solutions to align with your budget, enhance property value, and meet your energy requirements. Whether you have limited roof space or seek high-efficiency panels, a reliable solar contractor will provide personalized recommendations to maximize your return on investment and help you navigate available incentives.