10 Best Solar Companies in Cresco, IA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Cresco based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Cresco, IA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Cresco homeowner saves $1,769/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Cresco
Finding the right solar panel installation company for your home is a big decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Cresco. With good amounts of average daily sunlight in Cresco, the solar industry is growing steadily. An underrated reason for this growth has been Iowa's statewide incentives that support residential and commercial solar projects.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary considerably depending on your home's layout and your overall energy needs. Interested in knowing the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Cresco solar installer.
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 Cresco
Champion Solar
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Free Quotes - Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations - Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
MiEnergy Cooperative
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
greenpenny
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Blake Electric, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
Austin Electric
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
Kuntz Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- End-to-end services
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Solar Connection
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Waverly Utilities
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Olson Solar Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
American Energy LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Cresco
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Cresco 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 Cresco
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 Cresco
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you first need to pay to install your system. There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when determining costs and your potential savings, including:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Typical energy usage: The more electricity your household consumes on average and the higher your current electricity bills are, the more money you could save by making the switch to solar.
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Because of Cresco's relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your energy bills.
- 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 $21,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
There are several great benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Cresco
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives. There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after installing solar panels. You can learn about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Cresco
Installing solar panels is a powerful way to do what you can for a more sustainable future. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Cresco, though. If your household consumes lots of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar power. Because solar panels don't release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they're a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll most likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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 Cresco, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Cresco?
In Cresco, MiEnergy Cooperative is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
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. Making solar panels uses 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 8.8 years, but the exact period is influenced by 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 how much energy the panels can produce under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household requires 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.