Is solar worth it in 50301 (Des Moines, IA)?

With an average payback period of 12.3 years and 25-year savings of $28,050, solar panels in Des Moines, Iowa can be worthwhile with available incentives.

How much do solar panels cost in 50301?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Des Moines, Iowa is $13,800 before incentives. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit reduces this to about $9,660.

How much solar electricity does 50301 get?

Des Moines receives 4.71 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 50301 produces approximately 8,252 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 50301

Des Moines, Iowa — Is solar worth it here? Here's what the data says.

2.0x ROI Score

12.3 yrs Payback Period

$1,122/yr Annual Savings

$28,050 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $1,122

Payback 12.3 yrs

25-yr savings $28,050

Solar Calculator for 50301 (Des Moines)

Adjust values to see your personalized solar ROI estimate for Des Moines, Iowa.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

4.71 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Des Moines, IA

ROI Score 2.0x

Annual Production 8,252 kWh

Annual Savings $1,122

Payback Period 12.3 years

25-Year Savings $28,050

After 30% ITC $9,660

Solar Data for 50301 – Des Moines, IA

Solar Irradiance 4.71 kWh/m²/day -5% vs national avg

vs Iowa Avg +0% State avg: 4.75 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.136/kWh Iowa average rate

Annual Production 8,252 kWh 6kW system estimate

Des Moines's 4.71 kWh/m²/day is 5% below the national average. At $0.136/kWh, the 12.3-year payback is moderate. Tax credits and incentives can shorten it meaningfully.

Solar Incentives for Des Moines, Iowa

★

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. On a $13,800 system, that's $4,140 back.

★

Net Metering

Most Iowa utilities offer net metering — sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates, accelerating your payback.

★

Iowa State Programs

Check with the Iowa energy office for additional rebates, tax exemptions, and low-interest solar financing programs available in Des Moines.

50301 vs Iowa Average

Solar Irradiance

50301: 4.71 IA avg: 4.75

Payback Period

50301: 12.3 yrs IA avg: 12.4 yrs

Annual Savings

50301: $1,122 IA avg: $1,110

25-Year Savings

50301: $28,050 IA avg: $27,750

See the full Iowa solar guide for statewide data and incentives.

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

50314 Des Moines, IA 2.0x ROI 12.3 yr payback 52401 Cedar Rapids, IA 2.0x ROI 12.3 yr payback 52240 Iowa City, IA 2.0x ROI 12.3 yr payback 68101 Omaha, NE 1.9x ROI 13.5 yr payback 68107 Omaha, NE 1.9x ROI 13.5 yr payback