14 Best Solar Companies in Clear Lake, IA (Mar 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Clear Lake based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Clear Lake
If you're a homeowner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Clear Lake, it can be hard to narrow down which company to choose. But, it's worth it since adopting solar energy is often a good choice. With high amounts of average daily sunlight in Clear Lake, the solar industry is doing fairly well. An overlooked reason for this growth has been national programs that encourage residential and commercial solar panel installation.
In this article, we'll help you narrow down the top options in your area. To help you find out if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Clear Lake by clicking the button below.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Clear Lake
Local Service
Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom
-
Educational sales approach - Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Family owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Viking Electric
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
1 Source Solar
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
CEC Electric
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Decorah Electric Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Northwood Electric Inc.
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
American Energy LLC
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar FX Corporation
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Connection, Inc.
- Offers a free quote process
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
SolarTech of Iowa
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Nationwide Service
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
Local Service
Sun Rack Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
The Solar Store Mankato
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Twin Turbines Energy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Clear Lake
Although solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, it's necessary to know the startup costs. Some significant things that impact the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- The model of solar panels you want: More high-tech panels are more costly, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $19,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Due to Clear Lake's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electricity bills.
- Energy consumption: Solar may be a high-cost investment for families that don't need a lot of energy per month.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you'd like to lower your electricity costs, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Clear Lake homeowners.
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For an idea of both how much you could save and help protect the Earth by installing a solar panel system, you can test out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Clear Lake, IA.
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Solar Incentives in Clear Lake
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives. You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Clear Lake
Switching to solar energy can have a beneficial impact on the environment. But — how much exactly can you help by making the switch to solar? How much energy you use is an important factor to think about. The more energy your household consumes, the larger your impact when you go solar. Since solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they're a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll most likely recognize that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Clear Lake, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best in Clear Lake?
The highest-rated local solar company in Clear Lake is Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.6 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on how much power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.