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
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Average Fort Dodge homeowner saves $1,401/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 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 Fort Dodge
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
Energen Solar Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Midland Power Cooperative
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
PowerFilm Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
Van Wall Energy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
MidAmerican Energy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
SolarTech of Iowa
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Wind and Solar Specialists
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
SunRackSolar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
MidIowa Power
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
1 Source Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Ecovole Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Gwa International Llc
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Purelight Power of Des Moines
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
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 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 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.