10 Best Solar Companies in Estherville, IA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Estherville based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Estherville, IA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Estherville homeowner saves $1,550/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Estherville
Looking for the top solar companies in Estherville? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting venture that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $18,000 on your utility bills.
If you want to start making use of the great number of benefits of solar, we're here to help you narrow down your options to find the Estherville solar installer that's right for you. If you'd like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the best Estherville solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Estherville
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
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
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
Iowa Lakes Electric Co-Op
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Alliant Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
MidAmerican Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
Crescent Electric Supply Company
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Minnesota Solar Supply
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Wind and Solar Specialists
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Whiskey Creek Trading Company
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Estherville
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Estherville 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 Estherville
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 Estherville
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to install your panels. Some significant things that affect the cost and possible savings include:
- average energy usage: The more power your home consumes on average and the larger your current power bills are, the more money you could save by switching to solar.
- The amount of sunlight your house gets: Because of Estherville's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their total solar spend by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $18,000 on your energy bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- The make and model of solar panels you're planning on getting: Higher-efficiency panels cost more, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from a utility company and take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the planet.
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If you'd like to know how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Estherville, IA.
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Solar Incentives in Estherville
Since solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn a decent amount of money back after buying a solar panel system. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Estherville
Installing solar panels can have a positive impact on the environment. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help the environment by going solar? If your family uses a lot of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar energy. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and generates electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the planet.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Estherville, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in Estherville?
The highest-rated local solar company in Estherville is CEC Electric, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires 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?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 10.0 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When should I install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most common time people install solar panels, the optimal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.
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.