Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ames, IA (2025 Update)
- Ames Solar Installation Cost: $26,885
- 25-Year Savings: $29,889
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ames
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ames.
The average cost of solar panels in Ames is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,885 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Ames homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ames
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,427 |
| 3 years | $-22,512 |
| 5 years | $-19,596 |
| 7 years | $-16,681 |
| 9 years | $-13,766 |
| 11 years | $-10,850 |
| 13 years | $-7,935 |
| 15 years | $-5,019 |
| 17 years | $-2,104 |
| 19 years | $811 |
| 21 years | $3,727 |
| 23 years | $6,642 |
| 25 years | $9,557 |
Top Solar Installers in Ames
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Ames, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Ames
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ames
Although the average cost of a solar system in Ames is $26,885, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,010 per kilowatt in Ames.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ames, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Ames offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $12,842 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,572 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,526 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,705 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $33,108 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $38,736 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $44,589 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $50,666 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Ames, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Ames, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ames?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ames?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ames?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.