13 Best Solar Companies in Iowa City, IA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Iowa City based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Iowa City, IA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Iowa City homeowner saves $1,429/year with solar panels
Updated October 25, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Iowa City
When choosing between the best solar installers, Iowa City homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar energy easier. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Iowa City, giving homeowners access to some of the top solar panel companies in the country.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the best options in your area.To get an idea of what it might cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
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 Iowa City
Iowa Solar Pros
-
Informative Resources - Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Financing Assistance - Residential Panels
- Maintenance
True Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Residential Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Consultation
GRNE Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Maintenance
- Full-Service
- Commercial Panels
- EV Charger
Purelight Power of Cedar Rapids
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
Eagle Point Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
RJ Construction
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
Prodigy Power
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
ECG Solar Iowa
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Big Dog Solar Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Full-Service
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
- Consultation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Quad City Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Cleaning
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
Iowa Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Energy Efficiency Audit
- Emergency Services
- Commercial Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Century Electric & Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Iowa City
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Iowa City 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 Iowa City
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 Iowa City
For many readers, the decision of which solar company to choose comes down to how much it’ll cost.A few key factors that dictate the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much it could save you over time include:
- How much energy your home consumes: Households that use lots of electricity each month may need more solar panels and, consequently, be more costly, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
- Your current electric bills: Solar panels can dramatically reduce, or totally eradicate, your utility bills. In Iowa City, you can save an average of $1,176 a month.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you get will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
As a result of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a sound investment for many homeowners.
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For an idea of both how much you could save and impact the environment by switching to solar power, you can play around with 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
If you’re planning on making the switch to solar energy, a variety of government incentives and state programs can dramatically reduce the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment.There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you a decent amount of money back after buying a solar panel system. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can find in Iowa City.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Iowa City
Many want to do their part to help protect the environment, which often is the main motivation to install a solar system.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Iowa City, though. The average person has a rather large carbon footprint. Between their car, which is responsible for over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year, and powering their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Installing solar panels is a practical thing you can do to help.Although making solar panels releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by significantly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Iowa City, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. The advantages of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with committing to solar.
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 Iowa City, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installation company in Iowa City?
In Iowa City, Iowa Solar Pros is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Producing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels require a large upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of energy from the sun that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less of them to meet your home's energy needs.
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.