Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ankeny, IA (2023 Update)
- Ankeny Solar Installation Cost: $18,556
- 25-Year Savings: $26,446
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ankeny
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Ankeny.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ankeny it's 2.77 per watt. The average Ankeny homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,556 with the federal tax credit, or $26,535 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Ankeny for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ankeny
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,756 |
| 3 years | $-13,156 |
| 5 years | $-9,556 |
| 7 years | $-5,956 |
| 9 years | $-2,355 |
| 11 years | $1,245 |
| 13 years | $4,845 |
| 15 years | $8,445 |
| 17 years | $12,045 |
| 19 years | $15,645 |
| 21 years | $19,246 |
| 23 years | $22,846 |
| 25 years | $26,446 |
Top Solar Installers in Ankeny
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
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 $18,556, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system 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 going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in Ankeny. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ankeny, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Ankeny homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ankeny is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $16,129 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $21,816 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $27,658 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $33,655 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $39,807 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $46,114 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $52,577 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $59,194 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Ankeny, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Ankeny, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ankeny?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Ankeny?
A solar panel system isn't free in Ankeny, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.