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.
In Grimes, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Grimes, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,827, or $38,363 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Grimes find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Grimes, you can 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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 several factors that can influence 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Grimes, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Grimes to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Grimes’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Grimes have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
There are numerous companies available in Grimes, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Grimes?
Solar panels aren’t free in Grimes, 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.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Grimes, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 home 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.