Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ankeny, IA (2024 Update)

  • Ankeny Solar Installation Cost: $26,849
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,456
  • Payback Period: 14.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ankeny

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ankeny.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Ankeny is 4 per watt.Since a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ankeny, the average price of going solar will be about $26,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ankeny find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Ankeny, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ankeny

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,673
3 years $-23,321
5 years $-20,969
7 years $-18,617
9 years $-16,265
11 years $-13,913
13 years $-11,561
15 years $-9,209
17 years $-6,857
19 years $-4,506
21 years $-2,154
23 years $198
25 years $2,550

Top Solar Installers in Ankeny

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.

If you're searching for a solar company in Ankeny, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

See all of the solar companies in Ankeny

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ankeny

Although the average cost of a solar system in Ankeny is $26,849, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Ankeny, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ankeny homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Ankeny, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Ankeny have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $10,713 15.5 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $14,733 15.2 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $18,978 14.9 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $23,447 14.6 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $28,141 14.3 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $33,060 14.0 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $38,202 13.7 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $43,570 13.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Ankeny, IA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ankeny?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Ankeny?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Ankeny. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

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 larger amount 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.

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