15 Best Solar Companies in Grinnell, IA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Grinnell based on:

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

Average Grinnell homeowner saves $1,606/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Grinnell

Looking for the best solar companies in Grinnell? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting venture that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Due to its moderate amount of average daily sunlight, Grinnell has a good amount of solar growth, so a lot of the best solar companies in the nation have expanded to there to help residents switch over to renewable energy.

In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best options in your area. For an idea of how much you would have to pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Grinnell by clicking the "get quote" 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

ADT 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 Grinnell

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.rabehardware.com/
Address: 112 W 4th St, Vinton, IA 52349
Phone: 3194722011
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Simplified Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://simplifiedsolarinstall.com/
Address: 1400 Walnut St Suite 108, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 8009410298
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

1 Source Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.1sourcesolar.com/
Address: 3020 SW Oralabor Rd Ste 116, Ankeny, IA 50023
Phone: 5152891974
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Andrews Roofing Company

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://andrewsroofingdm.com/
Address: 1544 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 5156647968
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Midwest Solar Installers

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.midwestsolarinstallers.com/
Address: 7103 Chancellor Dr Ste 500, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 3192431569
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

CB Solar Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.cbsolarinc.com/
Address: 5425 Lower Beaver Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: 5153314200
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Ecovole Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.ecovole.com/
Address: 6165 NW 86th St, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 5154937068
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Walter Roofing + Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.walterbuilds.com/
Address: Walter Roofing Solar, 8450 Hickman Rd STE 27, 8450 Hickman Rd STE 27, IA 50325
Phone: 5153436955
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Iowa Sun Control

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.iowasuncontrol.com/
Address: 601 S 19th St Ste. 200, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: 5152781897
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Atwood Electric, Inc. & AE Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.atwoodelectric.com/
Address: 23124 IA-149, Sigourney, IA 52591
Phone: 6416223626
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

True Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://truesolariowa.com/
Address: 200 Greenfield Dr B, Tiffin, IA 52340
Phone: 8558732797
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Purelight Power of Des Moines

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable 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: https://purelightpower.com/des-moines-solar-installation/
Address: 4673 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323
Phone: 5154200035
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

PowerFilm Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/
Address: 1287 Xe Pl, Ames, IA 50014
Phone: 5152927606
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Iowa Solar Pros

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.iowasolarpros.com/
Address: 2431 Coral Ct #1, Coralville, IA 52241
Phone: 3199290992
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Purelight Power of Cedar Rapids

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://purelightpower.com/cedar-rapids-solar-installation/
Address: 1120 Depot Ln SE #100, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: 3193827581

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Grinnell

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Grinnell 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 Grinnell


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 Grinnell

Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your panels. There are several factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. Additionally, you can save about $19,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Grinnell gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
  • Your income and budget: This shapes what kind of solar panels you can get.
  • Your power bills: This will dictate how much money you might save. In Grinnell, the average resident can save about $1,900 a year on their electricity bills.

Solar is a rewarding 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 environment.

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Solar Incentives in Grinnell

Because solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also possibly use the ITC with other local incentives. For detailed information about incentives for homeowners in Grinnell, check out our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Grinnell

There are a few main reasons why people are considering solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet. A question many might be thinking about is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? In a city like Grinnell where energy use is particularly high, installing solar panels is a good plan for homeowners who care about the planet. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. The advantages of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with using solar energy.

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

ADT 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 Grinnell, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar panel installation company in Grinnell?

In Grinnell, Atwood Electric, Inc. & AE Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.

What are the best and worst things about solar power?

The main advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, for some, 100% cut your electricity bills, raise your home's value and bring down your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save as much if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.7 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

How efficient are solar panels?

For the most part, 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.