16 Best Solar Companies in Fort Dodge, IA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 in Fort Dodge based on:

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

Average Fort Dodge homeowner saves $1,401/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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 Fort Dodge

When choosing between the best solar panel companies, Fort Dodge homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we're here to make adopting solar energy that much easier. While solar panels are a great investment, you'll be able to make that expense back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $17,000 over 20 years.

In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best options in your area. Keep reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or connect with a vetted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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 Fort Dodge

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Warranty Coverage
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

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Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Energen Solar Group

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://energensolargroup.com/
Address: Webster City, IA 50595
Phone: 5158358537
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Midland Power Cooperative

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://www.midlandpower.coop/
Address: Boone, IA 50036
Phone: 8008338876
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

PowerFilm Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/
Address: Ames, IA 50014
Phone: 5152927606
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Van Wall Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://vanwallenergy.com/
Address: Perry, IA 50220
Phone: 5154655681
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

MidAmerican Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.midamericanenergy.com/
Address: Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Phone: 8004324524
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarTech of Iowa

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://solartechiowa.com/
Address: Dallas Center, IA 50063
Phone: 5155312311
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Wind and Solar Specialists

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://wassus.com/
Address: Alta, IA 51002
Phone: 7122002281
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunRackSolar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.sunracksolar.com/
Address: Clear Lake, IA 50428
Phone: 5157200463
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

MidIowa Power

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

1 Source Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.1sourcesolar.com/
Address: Ankeny, IA 50023
Phone: 5152891974
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Ecovole Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.ecovole.com/
Address: Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 5154937068
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Gwa International Llc

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://gwaintl.com/
Address: Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 5152872852
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Purelight Power of Des Moines

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://purelightpower.com/des-moines-solar-installation/
Address: Urbandale, IA 50323
Phone: 5154200035

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Fort Dodge

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge


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 Fort Dodge

We get that for lots of homeowners, the choice to invest in solar comes down to installation costs. A few key factors that influence how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:

  • Your energy consumption: If your home needs to use a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from going solar.
  • Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can get.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Thanks to Fort Dodge's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your power bills.

Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping the planet.

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Solar Incentives in Fort Dodge

Switching to solar power has plenty of considerable benefits. Not only can it help protect the Earth, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives. On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local benefits, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. For detailed information about incentives for homeowners in Fort Dodge, check out our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Fort Dodge

Many want to do what they can to help protect the environment, which often is the main reason for installing a solar system. You may be wondering — how much does going solar do for the planet anyway? If your home consumes lots of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar energy. Once you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 90 pounds every year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll most likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is worth more.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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 Fort Dodge, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar panel installer in Fort Dodge?

In Fort Dodge, 1 Source Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?

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

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

What is the efficiency of solar panels?

In most cases, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.

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.