Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ankeny, IA (2025 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 January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ankeny typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,849 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Ankeny homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Ankeny for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Ankeny

YearReturn 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 possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

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See all of the solar companies in Ankeny

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ankeny

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Ankeny is $26,849, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,010 per kilowatt in Ankeny.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly 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 limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ankeny is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.17$17,516$10,71315.5 years
8 kW$4.09$22,905$14,73315.2 years
10 kW$4.01$28,070$18,97814.9 years
12 kW$3.93$33,010$23,44714.6 years
14 kW$3.85$37,726$28,14114.3 years
16 kW$3.77$42,217$33,06014.0 years
18 kW$3.69$46,484$38,20213.7 years
20 kW$3.61$50,526$43,57013.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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EcoWatch's Ankeny, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ankeny?

The average cost of solar panels in Ankeny is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Ankeny?

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

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably 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 solar panels."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.