12 Best Solar Companies in Des Moines, IA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Des Moines based on:

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

Average Des Moines homeowner saves $1,266/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 Des Moines

Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Des Moines? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since you can enjoy lots of benefits after adopting solar power. Because solar panels produce their own energy, they can vastly bring down your electricity bill each month, if not entirely eliminate it. In fact, you could look forward to about $15,000 of savings over 20 years.


There are tons of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Des Moines.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Des Moines, you can click "get quote" below.

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 Des Moines

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Walter Roofing

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.walterbuilds.com/
Address: 8450 Hickman Rd STE 27, Clive, IA 50325
Phone: 5153436955
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Purelight Power of Des Moines

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

Website: https://purelightpower.com/des-moines-solar-installation/
Address: 4673 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323
Phone: 5154200035
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

1 Source Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.1sourcesolar.com/
Address: 3020 SW Oralabor Rd Ste 116, Ankeny, IA 50023
Phone: 5152891974
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Purelight Power

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

Website: https://purelightpower.com/ankeny-solar-installation/
Address: 4707 SE Rio Ct Suite 107, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone: 5154616445
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

CB Solar Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://www.cbsolarinc.com/
Address: 5425 Lower Beaver Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: 5153314200
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Lectrk Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://www.lectrk.com/
Address: 6165 NW 86th St, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 5154937068
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Simplified Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://simplifiedsolarinstall.com/
Address: 1400 Walnut St Suite 108, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 5154617982
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

MidIowa Power

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://midiowapower.com/
Address: 2800 SE Destination Dr, Grimes, IA 50111
Phone: 5152160182
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

ECG Solar | Des Moines

  • 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 Battery Storage
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://ecgsolar.com/
Address: 699 Walnut St 4th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 5156202819
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Green Light Renewable Services LLC

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.greenlightrenew.com/
Address: 2809 Kingman Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone: 5152504268
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Eagle Point 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 Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: https://eaglepointsolar.com/
Address: 1955 NE 58th Ave Suite 201, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone: 5155058037
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Iowa Solar Pros

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.iowasolarpros.com/
Address: 5550 Wild Rose Ln, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: 3199295109

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Des Moines

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Des Moines 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 Des Moines


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 Des Moines

For many people, the decision of which solar company to choose depends on pricing.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:

  • Your location: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Your energy consumption: If your household regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from going solar.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 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. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $15,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.

Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping preserve the Earth.

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Solar Incentives in Des Moines

Adopting solar power has lots of wonderful benefits. Not only can it help preserve the planet, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that earn some money in return after buying a solar panel system. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in Des Moines.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Des Moines

Many want to do what they can to help save the environment, which in many cases is the main motivation to install solar panels.But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? In a city like Des Moines where energy use is particularly high, making the switch to solar power is a fantastic idea for people who care about the planet.Since solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good swap for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. For homeowners who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.

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 Des Moines, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best in Des Moines?

The best local solar company in Des Moines is Walter Roofing, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

Are solar panels really bad for the environment?

Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels 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 buying solar panels?

Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 17.7 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

How long do solar panels last?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.