How to Get Free Solar Panels Installed in Iowa
Updated October 4, 2024 | 12 min read
Could you be getting free solar panels in Iowa? Many residents qualify for free solar installations and significant savings on their energy bills. This article breaks down everything you need to know about going solar in Iowa, from available programs to top-rated installers.
Read on to find out more or get in touch with Iowa solar experts to discuss the specifics of your home!
Enter your zip code to see if you qualify for free solar in Iowa!
Do I Qualify?
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Solar Power in Iowa
The Hawkeye State is quickly growing to become one of the top states in America for solar energy! Currently powering close to 100,000+ homes & businesses, solar power in Iowa is replacing traditional energy in a big way.
Iowa offers many solar incentives to help reduce the costs of solar and make renewable energy more available for all Iowa residents. Some of these solar incentives include Net Metering programs, Federal Tax Credits, Property Tax Exemption, and more!
The increasing interest in solar energy in Iowa is reducing the state's reliance on fossil fuels and has reduced monthly electric bills for thousands of families! The solar industry in Iowa not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also supports local job creation and economic growth in the state.
Getting Free Solar Panels in Iowa
EcoGen America is helping homes & businesses in Iowa discover all of their solar options and helping them convert to solar energy in Iowa, for less! There are many Iowa solar incentives, solar programs, and financing options available that can make solar energy more accessible and affordable for everyone!
You can see exactly which solar incentives & local programs you qualify for, in minutes, with a free customized solar savings quote from the top solar installer in Iowa, EcoGen America.
Get started with your free Solar Savings quote!
Power Purchase Agreements
A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is an agreement between you and a solar energy comp[any, where solar companies in Iowa install and own a solar array on your property for free, and then sells the electricity generated by the solar panels to you at a fixed rate for a set period of time, usually at a much cheaper rate than traditional electricity. On average, solar energy is ~40% cheaper than traditional electricity in Iowa.
Under a solar PPA, the Iowa solar company bears the cost of installing and maintaining the solar panels, while the customer benefits from reduced energy bills and potentially lower carbon emissions.
Iowa Solar Incentives
Iowa has several several solar incentives that make converting to renewable energy more affordable for residents and businesses. The top three incentives include net metering, sales tax exemption, and property tax exemption.
Net Metering Programs
Net Metering Programs allow customers with solar panels to earn credits on their utility bills for excess electricity their panels generate and feed back into the grid. The credits can be used to offset future electricity consumption during times when the panels are not generating enough power. Iowa's net metering rules apply to all customers, including residential, commercial, and industrial, who generate up to 1 MW of electricity.
Solar Sales Tax Exemption
Solar Sales Tax Exemption provides a 100% exemption from federal solar tax credit for the purchase and installation of solar power system, including solar panels, inverters, and batteries. The exemption applies to both residential and commercial installations and helps to reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar system. To be eligible, the solar system must have a capacity of less than 60 kW for residential customers and less than 2 MW for commercial and industrial customers. The exemption is an incentive designed to promote the adoption of solar energy in Iowa and support the state's clean energy goals.
Solar Property Tax Exemption
Solar Property Tax Exemption provides a 100% exemption from property taxes for the added value of a solar panel system installed on a property. This means that homeowners who install a solar energy system can benefit from the increased value of their property without paying additional property taxes on that value.
The exemption applies to both residential and commercial installations and helps to incentivize the adoption of solar energy in Iowa. Overall, the solar tax exemption is a benefit for homeowners looking to invest in solar energy and improve the value of their property.
These Iowa solar incentives contribute to the growth of the solar industry in Iowa and encourage more people to choose clean, renewable energy sources. There are many more solar incentives and solar programs in Iowa that you may qualify for!
Enter your zip code to see which Iowa solar incentives you qualify for!
Do I Qualify?
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Solar Financing Options
In recent years, Iowa has taken many strides towards helping residents convert to clean renewable energy. A big part of this was introducing solar purchasing options to home & business owners in Iowa. Here are a few of the top ways Iowa is going solar for no money down!
Iowa Solar Leases
Solar leases in Iowa are a financial arrangement in which a third-party developer installs and owns a solar energy system on a customer's property and leases the system to the customer at a fixed rate for a set period of time. Solar leases are favorable because they allow customers to benefit from solar energy without the upfront costs of purchasing and installing the system. Additionally, the third-party developer is responsible for maintaining the system, making solar leases a low-risk option for customers.
Idaho Solar Loans
Solar loans in Iowa are a financing option that allows customers to purchase and own a solar energy system while making payments over time. Solar loans are a good choice for some because they provide the benefits of owning a solar energy system, such as lower energy costs and increased property value, while spreading the cost out over a period of years. Additionally, customers may be eligible for federal and state tax incentives, making solar loans an affordable way to invest in renewable energy.
Get started with your free Solar Savings quote!
Iowa Community Solar Programs
Iowa community solar programs allow individuals or organizations to purchase or lease a portion of a larger solar energy system located off-site, often in a central location such as a solar farm. Participants receive credit on their utility bill for the portion of the electricity generated by the solar panels they have purchased or leased.
Community solar programs in Iowa provide an option for customers who are unable to install solar panels on their own property or who prefer to invest in renewable energy as a group.
Alliant Energy's Community Solar program
This program allows Alliant Energy customers to purchase "blocks" of solar energy generated by a 1 MW solar farm located in Dubuque County.
Farmers Electric Cooperative's Sunsource Community Solar program
This program allows Farmers Electric Cooperative customers to purchase or lease solar panels located at a solar farm in Kalona, Iowa.
Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative's SolarShare program
This program allows Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative customers to purchase or lease solar panels located at a solar farm in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Cedar Rapids' Solarize Cedar Rapids program
This program encourages residential and commercial property owners in Cedar Rapids to install solar panels on their property and offers educational resources and discounted pricing through a group-buying model.
Navigating the world of solar incentives and programs can feel overwhelming. If you're unsure about which options are best for your home and budget, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Our team of solar experts is ready to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect solution for your energy needs. We're here to make going solar in Iowa a simple and rewarding experience.
Find out if you qualify for savings programs!
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Ready to Go Solar in Iowa? Here's How To Get started:
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Check Your Eligibility: Use our zip code tool to see if your home qualifies for free solar panel installation.
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Explore Your Options: Learn about Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and other programs that can reduce or eliminate your upfront costs.
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Maximize Your Savings: Investigate available incentives like net metering, tax credits, and rebates to further lower your expenses.
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Get a Free Quote: Contact us for a personalized solar savings quote and expert guidance on choosing the best solar solution for your needs.
It's that easy! Take the first step towards clean, affordable energy today.
Going Solar in Iowa
Hundreds of homes and business are continuing to covert to solar energy to save money on their energy costs and make a positive impact on the environment. Not to mention the added benefits of back-up energy in case of storms and power outages. With plenty of sunlight in all of it's seasons and nation-leading solar incentives, Iowa continues to climb the ranking for best states to go solar.
Start your solar journey today with a free solar savings quote from the top rated solar installer in Iowa, EcoGen America. There's no cost and no obligation to buy. Get started today to explore all of your solar options in The Hawkeye State!
Find out if you qualify for savings programs!
Please enter a zip code
Yes, there are several ways to get solar panels installed for free in Iowa with solar incentives and local solar programs. There are even non-profit efforts aimed at helping Iowa residents go solar for less.
Why Trust EcoGen?
At EcoGen America, we take pride in the credibility of our information and ensure its accuracy by cross-referencing our data with esteemed institutions such as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Our rigorous validation process underscores our commitment to delivering trustworthy and up-to-date solar content with editorial integrity. Our partners do not direct our editorial content. Learn more
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