13 Best Solar Companies in Cedar Falls, IA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Cedar Falls based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Cedar Falls, IA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Cedar Falls homeowner saves $1,468/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 Cedar Falls

Looking for energy freedom in Cedar Falls? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding investment since you can enjoy lots of benefits after adopting solar power. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but adopting solar will save you money on your power bills over time. In fact, you can potentially save about $17,000 over 20 years.

There are so many installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Cedar Falls. We recommend shopping around for multiple quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free quotes from the best solar panel companies in Cedar Falls, click the link 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 Cedar Falls

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

Midwest Solar Installers

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.midwestsolarinstallers.com/
Address: 7103 Chancellor Dr Ste 500, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 3192431569
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Omjc Signal Inc

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.omjcsignal.com/
Address: 403 Chestnut St, Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: 3192360200
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Waverly Utilities

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.waverlyutilities.com/
Address: 1002 Adams Pkwy, Waverly, IA 50677
Phone: 3195592000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Carbon Recall Independence

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.carbonrecallindependence.com/contact
Address: 132 Terrace Dr, Independence, IA 50644
Phone: 3196935775
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.rabehardware.com/
Address: 112 W 4th St, Vinton, IA 52349
Phone: 3194722011
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

IEA Power

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.ieapower.com/
Address: 2050 Boyson Rd Suite 100, Hiawatha, IA 52233
Phone: 3194837193
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Hawkeye Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: https://hawkeye-solar.com/
Address: 1710 Hawkeye Dr, Hiawatha, IA 52233
Phone: 3197439891
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Prodigy Power

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://prodigypower.solar/
Address: 6300 Rockwell Dr NE Suite 104, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 8008716998
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Big Dog Solar Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.bigdogenergy.com/
Address: 797 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 3192082202
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

ECG Solar Cedar Rapids

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://ecgsolar.com/locations/cedar-rapids-ia/
Address: 4701 1st Ave SE #10, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 3192083693

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Cedar Falls

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls


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 Cedar Falls

Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to set up your system. The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:

  • average energy usage: The more energy your household consumes on average and the higher your current energy bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from switching to solar.
  • Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can buy.
  • Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their solar installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $17,000 on your utility bills over 20 years without incentives.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Cedar Falls gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much you can save on your energy bills.

Thanks to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as various solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for the majority of homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Cedar Falls

If you're thinking about switching to solar energy, a number of government incentives and tax credits can dramatically lower the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment. There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money back after buying a qualifying system. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Cedar Falls

Making the switch to solar power is a powerful way to do your part for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Cedar Falls, though. In a city like Cedar Falls where energy use is particularly high, going solar is a great idea for homeowners who are eco-conscious. While solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Cedar Falls, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other perks besides saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the Earth too.

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 Cedar Falls, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar panel installer in Cedar Falls?

The top local solar company in Cedar Falls is ECG Solar Iowa, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Making solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels need a significant upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do solar panels have to be replaced?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.