Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grimes, IA (Mar 2023)
- Grimes Solar Installation Cost: $18,537
- 25-Year Savings: $19,223
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grimes
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Grimes.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Grimes generally cost around 2.77. Since a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Grimes, the average price of going solar will be about $18,537 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Grimes can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Grimes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,026 |
| 3 years | $-14,006 |
| 5 years | $-10,985 |
| 7 years | $-7,964 |
| 9 years | $-4,943 |
| 11 years | $-1,923 |
| 13 years | $1,098 |
| 15 years | $4,119 |
| 17 years | $7,140 |
| 19 years | $10,161 |
| 21 years | $13,181 |
| 23 years | $16,202 |
| 25 years | $19,223 |
Top Solar Installers in Grimes
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Grimes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grimes
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary 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
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Grimes. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far 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 out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Grimes' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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.