Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grimes, IA (2024 Update)
- Grimes Solar Installation Cost: $26,827
- 25-Year Savings: $19,228
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grimes
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Grimes.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Grimes, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,827 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Grimes homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grimes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,760 |
| 3 years | $-23,624 |
| 5 years | $-21,488 |
| 7 years | $-19,352 |
| 9 years | $-17,216 |
| 11 years | $-15,081 |
| 13 years | $-12,945 |
| 15 years | $-10,809 |
| 17 years | $-8,673 |
| 19 years | $-6,538 |
| 21 years | $-4,402 |
| 23 years | $-2,266 |
| 25 years | $-130 |
Top Solar Installers in Grimes
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Grimes, optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar company in Grimes, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra 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 your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Grimes, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $6,189 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $8,702 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $11,438 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $14,400 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $17,586 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $20,996 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $24,631 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $28,491 | 16.0 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 durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grimes?
The average cost of solar panels in Grimes is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Grimes?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Grimes. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $790.17 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.