11 Best Solar Companies in Altoona, IA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Altoona based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Altoona, IA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Altoona homeowner saves $1,365/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Altoona
Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Altoona? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding course of action since you can enjoy a lot of perks when you go solar. Due to its moderate amount of average daily sunlight, Altoona has a good amount of solar growth, so several of the best solar companies in the country have set up shop there to help residents switch over to renewable energy.
Here, we'll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Altoona to make your decision a little bit easier. To get free quotes from the top solar companies in Altoona, click the "get quote" button below.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Altoona
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
GWA Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Eagle Point Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Purelight Power of Ankeny
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
Andrews Roofing Company
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
TMUSA Window Films Company
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
ECG Solar | Des Moines
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
Simplified Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Solar Transport Co
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Altoona
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Altoona 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 Altoona
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 Altoona
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs above all. There are quite a few factors you should consider when determining the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to make as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electric bills than a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to lower your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. Additionally, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- Your household's power bills: Because of very high monthly electricity bills in Altoona, you could save about $1,600 a year with solar.
Although a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in Altoona
There are several reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them consists of some government incentives that can help save you some money. Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Altoona
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to solar energy is to decrease your dependence on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? If your household consumes a lot of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar energy. In Altoona, the average person can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. If you care about the environment, you'll most likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Altoona, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in Altoona?
The top local solar company in Altoona is Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 11.4 years, but the exact period varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How long do solar panels last?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.