10 Best Solar Companies in Ames, IA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Ames based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Ames, IA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Ames homeowner saves $1,619/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Ames
Searching for the best solar companies in Ames? Installing solar panels is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find valuable for their wallets, communities and the planet. Plus, eco-conscious government support resulted in surging numbers of solar companies, setting the ground for a sustainable and profitable future in the state.
If you want to take advantage of the great amount of perks of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Ames solar installer that’s in the right price range for you.Interested in knowing how much it’d cost to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Ames solar installer.
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 Rankings for Solar Companies in Ames
1 Source Solar
Clear Pricing Policy- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Purelight Power
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Purelight Power of Des Moines
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Walter Roofing
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
CB Solar Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Lectrk Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Eagle Point Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
MidIowa Power
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Simplified Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Green Light Renewable Services LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Ames
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Ames based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Ames
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Iowa solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Ames
We understand that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs.There are several factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:
- The make and model of solar panels you’re planning on getting: Higher-efficiency panels are more costly, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $19,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Thanks to Ames’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electric bills.
- How much power your household consumes: Households that use a lot of electricity each month may need more solar panels and, therefore, more upfront cost, but will also benefit more over time.
Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar incentives, all while helping the planet.
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Solar Incentives in Ames
Adopting solar power has a lot of wonderful benefits. Not only can it help preserve the planet, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 0 of how much your solar project cost on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some local incentives you can benefit from too. For more information about incentives that apply to you, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Ames
One of the most compelling reasons to adopt solar power is to decrease your dependence on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are hazardous for the environment.But – how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? For homeowners who want to help preserve the planet, using solar power is an easy choice, especially since Ames produces a very high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.Though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Ames, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll no doubt get that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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 Ames, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
The highest-rated local solar company in Ames is 1 Source Solar, with a rating of 4.60 stars.
Are solar panels really eco-friendly?
Producing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
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.