Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grimes, IA (2023 Update)
- Grimes Solar Installation Cost: $18,532
- 25-Year Savings: $19,228
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grimes
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Grimes.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Grimes, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $18,537 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Grimes based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Grimes homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grimes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,464 |
| 3 years | $-15,328 |
| 5 years | $-13,192 |
| 7 years | $-11,056 |
| 9 years | $-8,921 |
| 11 years | $-6,785 |
| 13 years | $-4,649 |
| 15 years | $-2,513 |
| 17 years | $-378 |
| 19 years | $1,758 |
| 21 years | $3,894 |
| 23 years | $6,030 |
| 25 years | $8,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Grimes
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Grimes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grimes
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Grimes: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Grimes offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Grimes, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $11,606 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,784 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,118 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,607 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,252 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $34,051 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $39,005 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $44,115 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Grimes, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Grimes, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grimes?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Grimes?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.