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

Average Altoona homeowner saves $1,365/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GWA Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.gwaintl.com/
Address: 707 17th Ave SW, Altoona, IA 50009
Phone: 5159674996
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Eagle Point Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://eaglepointsolar.com/
Address: 1955 NE 58th Ave Suite 201, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone: 5155058037
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Purelight Power of Ankeny

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://purelightpower.com/ankeny-solar-installation/
Address: 4707 SE Rio Ct Suite 107, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone: 5154616445
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Andrews Roofing Company

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://andrewsroofingdm.com/
Address: 1544 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 5156647968
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

TMUSA Window Films Company

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.tmusawindowfilms.com/
Address: 500 Locust St Suite 198, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 5158503370
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

ECG Solar | Des Moines

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: https://ecgsolar.com/
Address: 699 Walnut St 4th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 5156202819
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Simplified Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://simplifiedsolarinstall.com/
Address: 1400 Walnut St Suite 108, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 8009410298
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Transport Co

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.solartransport.com/
Address: 1459 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 8003979015

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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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.