8 Best Solar Companies in Iowa City, IA (Aug 2022 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Iowa City based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated 7/19/2022
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Iowa City
If you're a homeowner looking to make the most of the solar incentives in Iowa City, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which installer to decide on. But, it's worth it since switching to solar energy is often a good choice. Since energy bills are increasing each year, many homeowners are considering switching to solar to save money on electricity for their homes.
The cost of installing solar panels can change significantly depending on your home's infrastructure and your household energy requirements. To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Iowa City, you can click "get quote" below.
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Iowa City
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
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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
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
The Green Panel
- 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
Local Service
Source Solar LLC
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Custom system designs
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
Local Service
R J Construction
- Can browse portfolio on website
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Locally owned and operated
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Iowa Solar
- Offers a free quote process
- Can browse portfolio on website
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reported communication issues
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Maintenance and Repairs
Local Service
Sitegen Solar Inc
- Can browse portfolio on website
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Regional Service
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
Local Service
Century Electrical Services, L.L.C.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Iowa City
For a lot of homeowners, whether or not to invest in a solar energy system comes down to the cost. Some important factors that determine the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- How much energy your home consumes: Households that consume lots of power each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, be more costly, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 26% of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $17,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what model of solar panels you can afford.
- Your city: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Because of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for many homeowners.
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Adopting a sustainable source of energy can greatly impact both the environment and your utility bills. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Iowa City, IA.
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Solar Incentives in Iowa City
Since solar power is more sustainable than traditional energy sources, there are several government incentives in place 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 solar panels. You can also potentially stack the ITC with other local incentives. The table below tells you about the incentives you can find in Iowa City.
| Name | Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% of sales tax |
| Incentive Max | None |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| Incentive Amount | Solar and wind: 100% exemption for 5 years Geothermal: 100% exemption for 10 years |
| Incentive Max | Not specified |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit (Personal) |
| Incentive Amount | 50% of Federal ITC (15% for 2019 and earlier, 13% for 2020, 11% for 2021, 5% for 2022, 0% for 2023 and later). |
| Incentive Max | $5,000 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Iowa City
There are lots of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar power, like saving some money 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 Iowa City, though. If your family consumes lots of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar energy. Because solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they're a good swap for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. For those who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Iowa City, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in Iowa City?
The best local solar company in Iowa City is Source Solar LLC, with a rating of 4.18 stars.
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. Solar panel manufacturing requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 11.5 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, like 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.