Summary of Iowa solar incentives 2021
The Iowa solar tax credit helps you install solar on your home. It provides some cash back in the first year, making your payback time-frame and return on investment a better than the national average. Pair that with the 26% Federal tax credit, and you've got a compelling investment case for home solar. Read on to learn all you need to know about incentives, policy, and savings for home solar power in Iowa.
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Iowa homeowners
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See what Iowa solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Iowa solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Iowa
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
Net energy metering in Iowa
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Iowa was one of the first states in the country to get on board with net metering, passing its first standard way back in 1984. The state's current net metering policy is pretty strong, though municipal and cooperative electric utilities are not covered.
MAE and AEIPL carry your surplus electricity you send back to them forward toward future bills, rather than actually giving you cash back. Regardless, savings are savings, and Iowa’s strong net metering policy helps make going solar here more sensible.
Iowa solar rebates
Iowa doesn't have any statewide rebates, but if you’re lucky enough to be served power by the Ames Electric Department, you can qualify for a rebate of $300 per kilowatt (kW), up to a maximum of $5,000. For example, if you install a 6-kW solar energy system, you can claim $1,800. Explore more information about the Ames solar rebate program by visiting the city’s website.
Iowa solar tax credit
Iowa offers a personal tax credit equal to 50% of the federal solar tax credit of 26%. So, for an average 6-kW solar energy system installed for $18,000, you are eligible for $4,680 from the Federal government (26% * $18,000), and an additional $2,340 (50% of the Federal credit).
Both amounts can be claimed on your yearly tax returns for after a solar installation was completed on your home. There’s a maximum credit of $5,000. Any excess credit (i.e., if your credit reduces your tax burden below $0) may be carried over for up to ten years, which is great news for Iowa homeowners interested in solar power.
New solar owners in Iowa must apply online by May 1st of the year after installation. Each year, the state has a $5 million cap for all tax credits, but timely applications will be put on a waiting list for the next year's limit. Once your application is approved, a tax credit certificate will be mailed to you. Read more about Iowa solar tax credits here, and apply here.
Tax exemptions
Your solar power system adds value to your home. A bunch of value – like, thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars of value. Normally all that added value comes with added taxes.
In Iowa, however, the increase in property value resulting from the installation of a solar power system is exempt from all associated property taxes for five full assessment years. That’s not the full (i.e. doesn't expire) exemption we’ve seen in a lot of other states, but it IS a nice chunk of change you won’t be responsible for paying.
Another chunk of change you won’t be responsible for paying is the 5-7 % sales tax (depending on where you live) attached to most other items. Yep, Iowa exempts your solar power system from this one too. Good show, Iowa!
Cost of solar panels in your part of Iowa after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.9kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
9.5-11.6 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$30,941-$37,817
Average size system installed in IA in 2021
10.9kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Iowa
16 solar companies in Iowa provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.73 93 Reviews
Latest review
Roy H, 1 week ago
Very happy with our Solar Electric installed by ECG. Owner is passionate about quality and meeting standards and that showed throughout the process. ECG was not the least expensive of the proposals we received, in fact they were the highest cost, but, we had a relatively painless installation and commissioning of the system. One little hiccup when trying to commission the system, found connections not made right during installation, but it was fixed that same day and producing power. Must be patient with this process regardless of vendor, have to get through utility and local inspectors, it took a little over 3 months from start to finish for us. ECG's installation was one day, electrical was one day and then commissioning the system was another day. Most of the rest of the time was waiting for paperwork and approval from utility and some likely waiting for equipment and ECG's workflow. Do some research ahead to have an idea of what panels and systems are available but be open to input during proposals too. The owner provided us a good education and made a great presentation. Any questions were answered quickly, don't be afraid to ask questions, I waited on some and shouldn't have. ECG has a strong local presence and a passion for quality from the owner to the installers and we felt those we important qualities.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,750 ($3.15 per watt)
Latest review
Roy H, 1 week ago
Very happy with our Solar Electric installed by ECG. Owner is passionate about quality and meeting standards and that showed throughout the process. ECG was not the least expensive of the proposals we received, in fact they were the highest cost, but, we had a relatively painless installation and commissioning of the system. One little hiccup when trying to commission the system, found connections not made right during installation, but it was fixed that same day and producing power. Must be patient with this process regardless of vendor, have to get through utility and local inspectors, it took a little over 3 months from start to finish for us. ECG's installation was one day, electrical was one day and then commissioning the system was another day. Most of the rest of the time was waiting for paperwork and approval from utility and some likely waiting for equipment and ECG's workflow. Do some research ahead to have an idea of what panels and systems are available but be open to input during proposals too. The owner provided us a good education and made a great presentation. Any questions were answered quickly, don't be afraid to ask questions, I waited on some and shouldn't have. ECG has a strong local presence and a passion for quality from the owner to the installers and we felt those we important qualities.
4.66 35 Reviews
Latest review
Eschbank Farms, over 1 month
We searched out many different companies before we made the decision to go with Atwood Electric, Inc. We made that decision based upon how straightforward and honest they were from the very beginning. We were always kept in the loop of what was going on. Once the project was complete they made sure that we were happy with it, and understood how it worked. When we had questions they were always more than happy to answer them throughout the whole process. They were very easy to work with.
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Latest review
Eschbank Farms, over 1 month
We searched out many different companies before we made the decision to go with Atwood Electric, Inc. We made that decision based upon how straightforward and honest they were from the very beginning. We were always kept in the loop of what was going on. Once the project was complete they made sure that we were happy with it, and understood how it worked. When we had questions they were always more than happy to answer them throughout the whole process. They were very easy to work with.
4.46 9 Reviews
Latest review
Ryan R, over 1 month
I had always found solar really interesting but didn't understand how to do it or the ROI. Olson Solar made it super easy and an extremely painless, fast process. If you're in WI, call these guys first. Reliable and efficient.
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Latest review
Ryan R, over 1 month
I had always found solar really interesting but didn't understand how to do it or the ROI. Olson Solar made it super easy and an extremely painless, fast process. If you're in WI, call these guys first. Reliable and efficient.
4.42 8 Reviews
Latest review
jdwidmer, over 1 month
GWA was very helpful in every step of the way in getting set up to install<br />my solar panels on my shed. They had me up and running in 3 days. Steve<br />keeps a very close eye on the system to make sure everything works<br />properly. SUPER job! I would highly recommend GWA international for your<br />solar needs.
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Latest review
jdwidmer, over 1 month
GWA was very helpful in every step of the way in getting set up to install<br />my solar panels on my shed. They had me up and running in 3 days. Steve<br />keeps a very close eye on the system to make sure everything works<br />properly. SUPER job! I would highly recommend GWA international for your<br />solar needs.
4.38 7 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
CB Solar looked at our location and assessed our electrical usage, then gave us information on what would work for our house. They did all the legwork necessary to comply with our local REC requirements. That gave us peace of mind to know it was all handled by their knowledgeable engineers. <br />Once they installed our solar panels, we had immediate results on our very next electric bill.<br />We are very happy with CB Solar's expertise and their continued interest to be sure our array is working for us.<br />And we are glad to be using a renewable energy source to help power our house.<br />Just wish we had a bigger roof so we could have had a few more panels!
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
CB Solar looked at our location and assessed our electrical usage, then gave us information on what would work for our house. They did all the legwork necessary to comply with our local REC requirements. That gave us peace of mind to know it was all handled by their knowledgeable engineers. <br />Once they installed our solar panels, we had immediate results on our very next electric bill.<br />We are very happy with CB Solar's expertise and their continued interest to be sure our array is working for us.<br />And we are glad to be using a renewable energy source to help power our house.<br />Just wish we had a bigger roof so we could have had a few more panels!
4.17 4 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
I contracted with RJ Construction to install solar array equipment. I was very satisfied with the quality of work as well as the innovative ideas RJ came up with.
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Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
I contracted with RJ Construction to install solar array equipment. I was very satisfied with the quality of work as well as the innovative ideas RJ came up with.
4.13 45 Reviews
Latest review
sanjeev kharbanda, 17 hours ago
i signed my contract in april 2021. they want 80 % money in advance.sales person was very good after sign contract they never call me. after 4 month they install solar then 2 more month with approval . now 1 1/2 month gone no PG&E approval to PTO means permission to opt . my 8 month over now still can not use solar. I PAID FULL thats bad do not use this company please .totally rip off.
Read more
Latest review
sanjeev kharbanda, 17 hours ago
i signed my contract in april 2021. they want 80 % money in advance.sales person was very good after sign contract they never call me. after 4 month they install solar then 2 more month with approval . now 1 1/2 month gone no PG&E approval to PTO means permission to opt . my 8 month over now still can not use solar. I PAID FULL thats bad do not use this company please .totally rip off.
4.06 8 Reviews
Latest review
Don't Get Scamed By Simpleray, over 1 month
Simpleray said they could install solar panels to my 15,000 square foot building without any structural changes to my building. I gave them a large deposit. 3 to 4 months later they said I had to put tens of thousands of dollars into reinforcing my metal building before they could put the panels up. They gave me part of my deposit back after 8 months but refuse to give me the remaining $4000.00. Now I have to take legal action against them.
Read more
Latest review
Don't Get Scamed By Simpleray, over 1 month
Simpleray said they could install solar panels to my 15,000 square foot building without any structural changes to my building. I gave them a large deposit. 3 to 4 months later they said I had to put tens of thousands of dollars into reinforcing my metal building before they could put the panels up. They gave me part of my deposit back after 8 months but refuse to give me the remaining $4000.00. Now I have to take legal action against them.
4.04 57 Reviews
Latest review
Jason H, 1 week ago
I spent 30k with Moxie Solar for a solar array that would eliminate my electrical bill other than the connect fee of 15 per month to our electrical provider. They designed the system and told me this system was to be 110 percent of my electrical usage and that I would not have an electrical bill in fact during the summer my electric company would be paying me a few dollars because I will over produce. Last months bill was 80.00 I reached out to the project manager and she didn't know where the salesman got his numbers and that something was wrong after that conversation I have reached out to the company several times and have not heard a thing for over 4 weeks. I have read multiply reviews after this know I wish I would have gone with someone else. tried posting a negative review on their FB page the CEO deleted it and banned me so they are most definitely getting the messages
Read more
Latest review
Jason H, 1 week ago
I spent 30k with Moxie Solar for a solar array that would eliminate my electrical bill other than the connect fee of 15 per month to our electrical provider. They designed the system and told me this system was to be 110 percent of my electrical usage and that I would not have an electrical bill in fact during the summer my electric company would be paying me a few dollars because I will over produce. Last months bill was 80.00 I reached out to the project manager and she didn't know where the salesman got his numbers and that something was wrong after that conversation I have reached out to the company several times and have not heard a thing for over 4 weeks. I have read multiply reviews after this know I wish I would have gone with someone else. tried posting a negative review on their FB page the CEO deleted it and banned me so they are most definitely getting the messages
3.99 199 Reviews
Latest review
2QAYL, 2 days ago
I am two time customer and am loving every minute of it. I put solar on my first home in Dec. 2017, sold that home and made every penny of my money back with the solar on the house, plus it helped sell my home faster. We built a new home and solar was 100% going on the new construction. It has been about 7 months and I can't wait to see how it did and will be possibly be adding some panels in the future to help offset the usage I wasn't sure we were going to be using. I can't say enough good things about my solar and my experience! Sunpro has stuck by me as well as followed through on all their promises and if I ever purchased a third home solar is ABSOLUTLEY going on that property as well.
Read more
Latest review
2QAYL, 2 days ago
I am two time customer and am loving every minute of it. I put solar on my first home in Dec. 2017, sold that home and made every penny of my money back with the solar on the house, plus it helped sell my home faster. We built a new home and solar was 100% going on the new construction. It has been about 7 months and I can't wait to see how it did and will be possibly be adding some panels in the future to help offset the usage I wasn't sure we were going to be using. I can't say enough good things about my solar and my experience! Sunpro has stuck by me as well as followed through on all their promises and if I ever purchased a third home solar is ABSOLUTLEY going on that property as well.
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