Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Des Moines Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: tax.iowa.govIncentive Amount:
100% of sales tax
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: tax.iowa.govIncentive Amount:
50% of Federal ITC (15% for 2019 and earlier, 13% for 2020, 11% for 2021, 5% for 2022, 0% for 2023 and later).
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: state.ia.usIncentive Amount:
Property valued at 0% of the net acquisition cost in the first assessment year, increasing annually by 5 percentage points to a maximum of 30% of the net acquisition cost in the 7th and succeeding years
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: iowa.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption for 10 years
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: tax.iowa.govIncentive Amount:
20% of the Federal Tax Credit, equivalent to 6% of the system cost
Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Exemption
Website: tax.iowa.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption for self-generators, landfill gas and wind
Reduced rate for large hydro
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Des Moines
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while shopping for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
In Iowa, anyone making at least $2,000 annually from non-DIY electrical or solar energy work is a contractor and must pursue licensure from the Division of Labor. To install solar PV systems, a company will need a journeymens' or electrical contractors' license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Des Moines
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor provides these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.
If you're a resident of Des Moines and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $20,050 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,118 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $872 |
| Thin-Film | $510 |
| Solar Battery | $715 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,683 |
Financing Solar Energy in Des Moines
Choosing the correct financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, leases, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each business you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Des Moines.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.1 years |
| 2 kW | 4.3 years |
| 5 kW | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | 21.3 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Des Moines
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Des Moines?
Should I expect a property value increase after adopting solar power?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, wooded, or rainy area?
What can I do to calculate my home's solar viability?
How long is a Des Moines solar panel's average lifespan?
How can I enhance my solar array's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
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