11 Best Solar Companies in Ames, IA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 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 February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Ames
Searching for the best solar companies in Ames? Installing solar panels is an exciting project that many homeowners find valuable for their wallets, communities and the planet. Plus, eco-conscious government support resulted in surging numbers of solar companies, setting the ground for a clean and fruitful future in the state.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary considerably depending on your home’s infrastructure and your household energy needs.Want to see how much it’d cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Ames solar installer.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
1 Source Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
Purelight Power
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
Purelight Power of Des Moines
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
Walter Roofing
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Residential Panels
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled Repairs
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
CB Solar Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Commercial Panels
Lectrk Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
SolarTech of Iowa
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
Eagle Point Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
MidIowa Power
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
Simplified Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
Green Light Renewable Services LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Maintenance
- Battery Storage
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
The cost of putting up a solar panel system has gone down greatly over the past several years, but it’s still a substantial investment for most homeowners.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- The type and model of solar panels you want to get: More high-tech panels have higher prices, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you reduce your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. In addition, you can save about $19,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar panels won’t be able to make as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electricity bills than someone with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- average energy usage: The more power your household uses on average and the higher your current electricity bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from going solar.
There are many good benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Ames
Since solar power is better for the environment than burning fossil fuels, there are various government incentives in place to encourage its adoption.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly stack the ITC with other local incentives. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can find in Ames.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Ames
One of the most compelling reasons to embrace solar power is to reduce your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are hazardous for the environment.Something many homeowners might be thinking about is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? In Ames, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a big impact on the Earth since solar power has a lower carbon footprint.In Ames, the average homeowner can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. The good things about solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with using solar energy.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 top solar installer in Ames?
The top local solar company in Ames is 1 Source Solar, with a rating of 4.60 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
When should I put up solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners contracting installers, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.
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.