10 Best Solar Companies in Altoona, IA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 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
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Altoona
As a homeowner or business owner in Altoona, you may be considering switching to solar and wondering about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a great choice since it has a lot of perks. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but the switch will save you money on your power bills over time. In fact, you can look forward to saving about $16,000 over 20 years.
Here, we’ll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Altoona to make your choice much easier.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the top Altoona solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 Rankings for Solar Companies in Altoona
Purelight Power
Free Quotes- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Permit Assistance- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
1 Source Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Walter Roofing
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
CB Solar Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Purelight Power of Des Moines
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Simplified Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Eagle Point Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Green Light Renewable Services LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Lectrk Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
MidIowa Power
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
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
For many homeowners, the decision to invest in a solar energy system depends the most on the cost.Some important things that impact the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Your income and budget: This determines what kind of solar panels you can afford.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Altoona uses a lot of energy, and as a result may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Thanks to Altoona’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your power bills.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $16,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives, all while helping the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Altoona
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is receiving government incentives.State and city solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in Altoona.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Altoona
Going solar can have a beneficial impact on the environment.You may be trying to figure out – how much does going solar help the environment anyway? Something that can drastically affect your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive in general. If you install solar panels and drive an electric car, you can significantly reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. For people who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
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 Altoona, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Altoona?
The best local solar company in Altoona is Purelight Power, with a rating of 4.70 stars.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can create under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their energy needs.
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.