13 Best Solar Companies in Des Moines, IA (Mar 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Des Moines based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Best solar companies in Des Moines
As a homeowner or business owner in Des Moines, you may be interested in switching to solar energy and wondering about the best solar companies in your local area. Solar could be a good idea since it comes with a lot of perks. Due to Des Moines' great level of sunshine on average, there are lots of solar companies to choose from.
As you begin your search for the best solar companies in Des Moines, you'll find that there are a great number of providers to choose from. So, we've organized a carefully curated list of the top solar companies in the area. If you want to receive free, no-obligation quotes from the best Des Moines solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Des Moines
Local Service
Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom
-
Educational sales approach - Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Family owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
1 Source Solar
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
CEC Electric
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Atwood Electric, Inc. & AE Solar
- Family owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Solutions
- Locally owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar FX Corporation
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
SolarTech of Iowa
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Simpleray Solar - Bloomfield
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Local Service
Western Iowa Power Cooperative
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
AEC Solar
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Regional Service
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Des Moines
When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs the most. 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:
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Due to Des Moines' high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. In addition, you can save about $15,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- Typical energy usage: The more power your home consumes on average and the higher your current power bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from making the switch to solar.
Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own electricity instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Des Moines
There are lots of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them consists of some government incentives that can save you money. There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you some money back after buying a qualifying system. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Des Moines
Lots of people want to do their part to help save the environment, which in many cases is the main reason for installing a solar system. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? If your home uses lots of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar power. In Des Moines, the average person can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. The great things about solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with using solar energy.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Des Moines, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best near me?
The highest-rated local solar company in Des Moines is Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 12.3 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, 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.