8 Best Solar Companies in Cresco, IA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Cresco based on:

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

Average Cresco homeowner saves $1,769/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Cresco

When looking for the best solar companies in Cresco, sorting through so many options can be daunting, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many fantastic benefits. What's especially pushing a lot of readers toward switching to solar is their very high energy bills that keep increasing each year.


The cost of installing solar panels can change greatly based on your home’s infrastructure and your household energy requirements.Interested in knowing the cost of installing a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Cresco solar installer.

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 Cresco

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Austin Electric

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

4.8/5

Solar Connection

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.solarconnectioninc.com/
Address: 6254 34th Ave NW a, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 5072928400
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Olson Solar Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System

Website: http://www.olsonsolarenergy.com/
Address: 1447 Oak Forest Dr, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: 6087802347
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Blake Electric, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.blakeelectricinc.com/
Address: 3 W Main St, Waukon, IA 52172
Phone: 5635683686
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Champion Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.championsolar.com/
Address: 7010 US-61, Minnesota City, MN 55959
Phone: 5073120190
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Kuntz Electric, Inc.

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades

Website: http://www.kuntzelectric.net/
Address: 6254 34th Ave NW a, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 5072859658
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Connection Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: https://solarconnectioninc.com/
Address: 920 10th Ave N, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: 6087814683
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Energy LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

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

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

When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs the most.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:

  • Electricity consumption: The average household in Cresco uses a lot of energy, and consequently may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
  • The make and model of solar panels you’re planning on getting: More efficient panels have higher prices, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $21,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.

Even though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the amount of daily direct sunlight available and incentives.

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Solar Incentives in Cresco

One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives.When you install solar panels on your home, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there are often some regional incentives that you can benefit from to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. For more information about incentives for homeowners in Cresco, check out our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Cresco

Lots of people want to do what they can for the planet, which in many cases is the primary motivation to install a solar system.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? The more energy your house uses, the better off the planet will be from you switching to solar as you won’t have to use as much nonrenewable energy.In Cresco, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. Since solar energy is abundant and generates electricity without releasing carbon emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.

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 Cresco, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best near me?

In Cresco, Austin Electric is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?

Producing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels need a large upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What are the different types of solar panels?

The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof and how much energy generation you want.

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.