4 Best Solar Companies in Garner, IA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Garner based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Garner, IA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Garner homeowner saves $1,668/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Garner
Looking for energy freedom in Garner? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since you can enjoy a lot of benefits after adopting solar power. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Garner, giving homeowners access to some of the top solar companies in the country.
As you start your search for the best solar companies in Garner, you might notice that there are a great number of providers to choose from. So, we've put together a carefully curated list of the top solar companies in the area. Want to see how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Garner solar installer.
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 Garner
Austin Electric
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Free Quotes - Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Skilled repairs - Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Good Steward Consulting
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
MidAmerican Energy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
American Energy LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Garner
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Garner 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 Garner
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 Garner
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs above all. The cost and possible savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Garner gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much you can save on your energy bills.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar system this year can save 30% of their solar installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $20,000 on your energy bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- The kind of solar panel system you can purchase: This hinges on how much you're willing to spend upfront.
- How much power your household consumes: Households that need plenty of energy each month may need more solar panels and, therefore, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your energy consumption.
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If you'd like to know what your impact could be if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Garner, IA.
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Solar Incentives in Garner
There are many reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives you can take advantage of. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly use the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in Garner.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Garner
There are tons of reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? In a city like Garner where energy use is particularly high, installing solar panels is a fantastic plan for people who want to do their part for the environment. When you go solar, your carbon footprint can be cut by about 90 pounds each year. For people who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
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 Garner, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
In Garner, SunRackSolar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.3 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.