9 Best Solar Companies in Fort Madison, IA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 9 in Fort Madison based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Fort Madison, IA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Fort Madison homeowner saves $1,762/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Fort Madison
Hoping to go solar but not sure which solar panel installer would be best for your needs? Although it can be hard to settle on a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic benefits. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with solar panels, you can save about $21,000 on your utility bills.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow down the best options in your area.To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Fort Madison, 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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Fort Madison
Kramer Electric
Clear Pricing Policy- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
True Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
Sunspot Solar LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Iowa Solar Pros
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Quad City Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Iowa Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Red Barn Solar dba 1 Source Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Solar Grids Quad Cities
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Century Electric & Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Fort Madison
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Fort Madison 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 Madison
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 Madison
Even though solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the startup costs.There are a few factors you should consider when trying to figure out costs and your potential savings, such as:
- Your income and budget: This affects what kind of solar panels you can purchase.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $21,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Due to Fort Madison’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electric bills.
- Your household's power bills: Because of very high monthly energy bills in Fort Madison, you could save about $1,700 a year with solar.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you want to reduce your electricity costs, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Fort Madison homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Fort Madison
There are several reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them involves some government incentives you can take advantage of.In addition to the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local incentives, which in almost all cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can find in Fort Madison.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Fort Madison
There are lots of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar power, like saving on utility bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Fort Madison, though. In Fort Madison, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a huge effect on the environment since solar power is a renewable source of energy.Since solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good alternative to traditional energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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
EcoWatch's Fort Madison, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel company in Fort Madison?
In Fort Madison, Kramer Electric is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
What are the pros and cons of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your power bills, it’s environmentally friendly, and it can provide a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 12.7 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration 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.