13 Best Solar Companies in Forest City, IA (Mar 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Forest City 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
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Forest City
Looking for energy freedom in Forest City? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since you can enjoy a lot of perks when you go solar. On average, your family can save $17,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And since solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, your total savings will be well above that overall.
The cost of installing solar panels can change substantially based on your home's layout and your overall energy needs. To get free quotes from the top solar companies in Forest City, click the "get quote" button below.
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 Forest City
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
Decorah Electric Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Northwood Electric Inc.
- Educational sales approach
- Locally 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
American Energy LLC
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- 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
Solar Connection, Inc.
- Offers a free quote process
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
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
Sun Rack Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Wind and Solar Specialists
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
The Solar Store Mankato
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Twin Turbines Energy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
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 Forest City
While solar panels can save you money on energy over time, it's necessary to consider the startup costs. Some important factors that dictate how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you choose will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $17,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Because of Forest City's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electricity bills.
- Typical energy usage: The more electricity your household consumes on average and the larger your current electricity bills are, the more money you could save by going solar.
There are several wonderful benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your wallet. Plus, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Forest City
One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is earning federal and potentially state incentives. When you install a solar panel system on your house, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there may often be some regional incentives that you can take advantage of to further save. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Forest City
Going solar can have a positive effect on the environment. A question many might be asking themselves is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? The amount of energy you use is a significant factor to consider. The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your impact when you make the switch to solar power. In Forest City, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll likely understand that there are many benefits of adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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 Forest City, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Forest City?
In Forest City, CEC Electric is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a large upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on the amount of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.