Solar Energy in Des Moines, Iowa

Average Solar Resource Pop. 214,778

Des Moines, Iowa receives 4.02 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance and 4.7 peak sun hours daily, representing average solar resources . A typical 5 kW residential solar system in Des Moines produces approximately 6,891 kWh annually, potentially saving homeowners $813 per year on electricity bills. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, a 5 kW system has an estimated payback period of 12.9 years, leaving roughly 12 years of profitable operation within a standard 25-year warranty. For maximum annual output in Des Moines, panels should be tilted at approximately 42° and oriented true south (180° azimuth).

Solar Resource Summary

4.02
kWh/m²/day
GHI Annual
4.7
hours/day
Peak Sun Hours
4.26
kWh/m²/day
DNI Annual
GHI vs. US national average (4.5 kWh/m²/day) Average
0 7.5 kWh/m²/day

Monthly Solar Data

Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Annual
GHI (kWh/m²/d) 1.77 2.63 3.72 4.94 5.74 6.17 6.36 5.52 4.62 3.05 2.06 1.64 4.02
DNI (kWh/m²/d) 2.86 3.54 4.01 4.77 4.88 5.13 5.72 5.15 5.16 3.82 3.1 2.93 4.26
Source: NREL. Monthly averages in kWh/m²/day and °C.

Solar Production Estimates for Des Moines

5 kW Residential
Typical home system
Residential
6,891 kWh/yr
574 kWh/month avg
≈ $813/year savings
10 kW Residential
Large home system
Residential
13,782 kWh/yr
1,148 kWh/month avg
≈ $1,626/year savings
50 kW Commercial
Small commercial
Commercial
68,912 kWh/yr
5,743 kWh/month avg
100 kW Commercial
Medium commercial
Commercial
137,824 kWh/yr
11,485 kWh/month avg

Production estimates based on NREL solar resource data, 42° tilt, south-facing orientation, and 80% performance ratio.

Local Solar Conditions in Des Moines

Des Moines shows significant seasonal variation in solar output, with peak summer months receiving 6.4 kWh/m²/day compared to 1.6 kWh/m²/day in winter — a 3.9x difference. Battery storage or net metering is particularly valuable here.

Best Tilt Angle
42° (latitude-optimized)
Best Azimuth
180° (true south)
Coordinates
41.5868°N, -93.625°

Financial Overview — Solar in Des Moines

Solar can be viable with the right setup in Des Moines. While Des Moines's solar resource is modest, favorable financing, state incentives, and high electricity rates can still make solar cost-effective. Estimated annual savings from a 5 kW system: $813/year.

Avg. Electricity Rate
$0.118/kWh (IA avg)
Est. Annual Savings (5 kW)
$813/year
Est. Payback Period
12.9 years (after 30% ITC)
Federal ITC
30% of system cost
Net Metering
Available
Financial estimates assume a 5 kW system at $3,000/W installed ($15,000 pre-ITC, $10,500 after 30% credit). Actual costs vary by installer and equipment. Consult a local solar installer for firm quotes.

Solar FAQ — Des Moines, Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa, a 5 kW residential solar system produces approximately 6,891 kWh of electricity per year. A 10 kW system produces about 13,782 kWh annually. These estimates use 4.0 kWh/m²/day average solar irradiance and an 80% system performance ratio, accounting for real-world losses from wiring, inverter efficiency, and temperature. Actual output will vary based on your specific roof orientation, shading, and equipment.

Des Moines receives an average Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.02 kWh/m²/day. This is 0.48 kWh/m²/day below the US national average of 4.5 kWh/m²/day, placing Des Moines near the national average. GHI measures total solar energy incident on a horizontal surface and is the primary indicator of a location's solar resource quality.

Des Moines, Iowa receives an average of 4.7 peak sun hours per day. Peak sun hours represent the equivalent number of hours when solar irradiance equals 1,000 W/m² — the standard condition used to rate solar panel output. This means a 1 kW solar panel array in Des Moines produces 4.7 kWh on a typical day. Seasonal variation is significant: summer months see peak sun hours 40–60% higher than winter months in most US locations.

Des Moines is a average location for solar panels, with 4.02 kWh/m²/day solar irradiance — near the national average. With an estimated payback period of 12.9 years, solar installations in Des Moines can be financially attractive, especially given Iowa's electricity rates.

The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in Des Moines is approximately 42°, which corresponds to the city's latitude. This angle maximizes annual energy production by ensuring panels receive the most direct sunlight averaged over the year. For maximum winter output, tilt panels at latitude + 15° (57°). For maximum summer output, use latitude − 15° (27°). Fixed south-facing panels at the latitude angle are the standard recommendation for residential systems in Des Moines.

A 5 kW solar system in Des Moines can save an estimated $813 per year on electricity bills, based on Des Moines's average electricity rate of $0.118/kWh. Over a 25-year system lifetime, that represents $20,325 in total savings before accounting for electricity rate increases. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, the net system cost of approximately $10,500 for a 5 kW system yields a payback period of 12.9 years.

For a typical home in Des Moines using 1,000 kWh/month, a 5 kW solar system producing 574 kWh/month would offset approximately 57% of a typical household's electricity use. Most residential installations in similar climates range from 5 to 12 kW depending on energy consumption, roof size, and budget. Use SolarScope's Site Studio to get a personalized system size recommendation based on your specific address and energy bills.

Based on local solar irradiance and electricity rates, a 5 kW residential solar system in Des Moines has an estimated payback period of 12.9 years. This calculation assumes a net system cost of $10,500 (after the 30% federal ITC) and annual savings of $813. Modern solar panels carry 25-year performance warranties, so systems in Des Moines would operate profitably for roughly 12 years after payback. Electricity rate increases over time typically reduce the effective payback period.
Learn more: Solar irradiance · Peak sun hours · GHI explained · Net metering · How solar analysis works

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Quick Stats

Annual GHI
4.02 kWh/m²/day
Peak Sun Hours
4.7 h/day
5kW Production
6,891 kWh/yr
Payback (5kW)
12.9 years
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