15 Best Solar Companies in Ames, IA (Mar 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Ames based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Best solar companies in Ames
As a homeowner or business owner in Ames, you may be planning on switching to solar and wondering about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a great idea since it comes with a lot of perks. While solar power is a great investment, you'll be able to make that money back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $19,000 over 20 years.
As you begin your search for the best solar companies in Ames, you might realize that there are a lot of providers to choose between. So, we've put together an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area. Keep reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected with a trusted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Ames
Local Service
Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom
-
Educational sales approach - Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Family owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
1 Source Solar
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
CEC Electric
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Northwood Electric Inc.
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Atwood Electric, Inc. & AE Solar
- Family owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Energy Nerds
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Solutions
- Locally owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar FX Corporation
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
SolarTech of Iowa
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Local Service
Western Iowa Power Cooperative
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Sun Rack Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
AEC Solar
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Wind and Solar Specialists
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Twin Turbines Energy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Ames
We get that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar rests on installation costs. There are a few factors you should consider when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $19,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Thanks to Ames' high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
- How much electricity your home consumes: Homes that consume a lot of energy each month may need more solar panels and, therefore, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
There are many great benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your wallet. Plus, it can boost the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Ames
If you're thinking about making the switch to solar power, a variety of government incentives and state programs can dramatically reduce the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment. Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Ames.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Ames
Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a great way to do your part for a more sustainable future. You may be curious — how much does going solar help the planet anyway? No matter where you are, you can help the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use more energy will have an even bigger impact. In Ames, the average person can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Ames, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installer in Ames?
The best local solar company in Ames is Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your electricity bills, it's environmentally friendly, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
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 is influenced by 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 choose to replace them once you've had 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.