3 Best Solar Companies in Clear Lake, IA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Clear Lake based on:

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

Average Clear Lake homeowner saves $1,619/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

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 Clear Lake

If you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Clear Lake, going through hundreds of options can be demanding, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many great benefits. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar panel system, you can save about $19,000 on your power bills.


If you’re thinking about going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Clear Lake and compare quotes. The great news is we did the hard work and compiled a list of the best solar companies so you don’t have to.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Clear Lake, you can click "get quote" 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 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 Clear Lake

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Austin Electric

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.austinelectric.net/
Address: 1111 5th Pl SE, Austin, MN 55912
Phone: 5074348080
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Midwest Solar Installers

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: https://www.midwestsolarinstallers.com/
Address: 1601 University Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701
Phone: 3192431569
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Energy LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://www.americanenergysolar.com/
Address: 50905 320th St, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
Phone: 5073831547

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Clear Lake

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake


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 Clear Lake

For the majority of homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar energy depends the most on the cost.Some significant things that impact the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:

  • average energy usage: The more power your household uses on average and the greater your current power bills are, the more benefits you’ll see from making the switch to solar.
  • The model of solar panels you want to get: More efficient models are more expensive, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
  • The cost of electricity in your area: If your local electricity rates are especially high, there's a better chance you'll get a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Clear Lake, you can save an average of $1,717 a month on your electricity bills.
  • Incentives: Something that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your power bills, which can give you an average of $19,000 of savings over 20 years.

There are many great benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

Use the calculator below to get a sense of how much installing a solar panel system could impact the environment and your bank account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Clear Lake, IA.

{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }}
Estimated cost {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}
Estimated incentives {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }}
Payback period {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years
CO2 emissions prevented {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs
Miles driven equivalent {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.

Solar Incentives in Clear Lake

One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is receiving 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 possibly pair the ITC with other local incentives. You can find out about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Clear Lake

One of the most compelling reasons to embrace solar energy is to reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Clear Lake, though. In a city like Clear Lake where energy use is particularly high, making the switch to solar power is a good idea for people who are worried about the state of the planet.After you go solar, your carbon footprint can be reduced by about 90 pounds each year. The benefits of solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many Clear Lake residents have been happy with making the switch to solar.

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 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 Clear Lake, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best in Clear Lake?

The top local solar company in Clear Lake is Austin Electric, with a rating of 4.70 stars.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of going solar?

A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your power bills, it’s a sustainable source of energy, and it can provide a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, the startup costs are high and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?

Solar panels can be a fruitful 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 electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.