15 Best Solar Companies in Ames, IA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Ames based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Ames, IA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Ames homeowner saves $1,619/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Ames
When choosing between the best solar companies, Ames homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we're here to make switching to solar power simpler. Because solar panels produce their own electrical power, they can vastly lower your electricity bill each month, if not fully eliminate it. In fact, you could be looking at about $19,000 of savings over 20 years.
There are lots of installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Ames. Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or connect with a certified solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Ames
PowerFilm Solar
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Informative Resources - Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Tailored solutions - Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
1 Source Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Ecovole Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
CB Solar Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Purelight Power of Des Moines
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Walter Roofing + Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
Andrews Roofing Company
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Simplified Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Van Meter Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Iowa Sun Control
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
MidAmerican Energy Company Dallas County Service Center
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
SolarTech of Iowa
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Green Light Renewable Services LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Solar Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Solar Transport Co
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Ames
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Ames based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Ames
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Iowa solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Ames
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs above all. There are a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out the overall cost and how much you can save, including:
- How much power your household needs: If your family uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from going solar.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: This, and how your roof is set up, affects affect how much power your solar panels can generate.
- The kind of solar panels you're thinking of getting: Higher-efficiency panels are more expensive, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar system this year can save 30% of their total solar spend by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $19,000 on your utility bills over 20 years without incentives.
There are lots of wonderful benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your wallet. Plus, it can boost the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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For an idea of both how much you could save and impact the environment by switching to solar power, you can try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Ames, IA.
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Solar Incentives in Ames
There are a lot of reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them involves some government incentives you can take advantage of. State and city solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Ames
Installing solar panels is a good way to do what you can for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Ames, though. No matter where you are, you can help protect the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use a lot of energy will have an even greater impact. Because solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good swap for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you'll most likely understand that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ames, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in Ames?
The top local solar company in Ames is PowerFilm Solar, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Producing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.6 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How long do solar panels last?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.