Iowa solar calculator

Live production from NLR (formerly NREL) PVWatts V8. Iowa operates inflow-outflow net metering: outflow (export) credited at the FULL RETAIL volumetric rate including riders, measured in 15-MINUTE intervals (NOT monthly net); excess carries forward; any annual leftover cashes out at AVOIDED COST. Self-consumed solar offsets full retail (about $0.135/kWh modeled). 20-YEAR RATE LOCK: customers interconnecting now keep current terms for 20 years — key protection against the pending Value-of-Solar (VOS) transition. VOS RISK (Iowa Code 476.49(4)): the IUC will replace retail outflow with a VOS rate (expected below retail) once statewide DG penetration hits 5% OR upon utility petition after July 1, 2027 — whichever first. Interconnect before the trigger to lock current 20-year terms. Two IOUs both at current terms: MidAmerican Energy (default, eastern / central IA) and Alliant Energy / Interstate Power and Light (central / eastern, Cedar Rapids). MidAmerican's 110% cap is on annual energy; Alliant's is on maximum annual demand. Use the selector below to switch. System sizing ≤110% of annual usage; under 1 MW. Federal §25D = $0 (OBBBA repeal). NO state income tax credit residential (Iowa Solar Energy System Tax Credit EXPIRED for residential installed after Dec 31, 2021 — sources citing live 15% or 50%-of-federal IA credit are outdated). Property tax EXEMPT 5 YEARS (Iowa Code 427.1) — NOT permanent; after year 5 added value becomes taxable. Sales tax PARTIAL exemption (Iowa Code 422.45(57)) — solar equipment (panels, inverters, racking) exempt from 6% state sales tax, BUT batteries and labor NOT exempt. NO SREC market. NO statewide battery rebate. Cheap install pricing (~$2.90/W). Typical solar-only payback 14-18 years with federal $0; sources citing ~13 years assume the now-dead 30% federal credit. Defaults: south-facing roof mount, 20° tilt, 14% losses.