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 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 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 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 Cresco

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

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

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

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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation

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

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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Solar Roof Assessment
  • Service icon Consultation

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

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

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Champion Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Solar Roof Assessment
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Kuntz Electric, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

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 Reliable 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 Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

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 Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • 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 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

For a lot of homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar panels comes down to the cost.Some key things that impact the cost and possible savings include:

  • Electricity consumption: The average household in Cresco uses a lot of energy, and as a result may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
  • System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $21,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Cresco doesn’t get a lot of average daily sunlight, your solar system may not be able to generate enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much you can save on your energy bills.

There are several great benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your finances. Plus, it can boost 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 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, see our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Cresco

There are many reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving money on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? Your energy usage is an important factor to consider. The more power your household consumes, the bigger 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 nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar energy is renewable and makes electricity without releasing carbon emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.

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 Cresco, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best near me?

In Cresco, Austin Electric is the top 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.

Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?

Making solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?

Solar panels require 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?

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.

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.