17 Best Solar Companies in Manchester, IA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Manchester based on:

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

Average Manchester homeowner saves $1,622/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Manchester

Searching for the top solar companies in Manchester? Installing solar panels is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. With high amounts of average daily sunlight in Manchester, the solar industry is doing fairly well. An underrated reason for this growth has been Iowa's statewide programs that encourage residential and commercial solar panel installation.

There are plenty of installers to choose from, but in this article, we'll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Manchester. To get an estimate of how much it would cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.

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

Sunpro 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 Manchester

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Carbon Recall Independence

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.carbonrecallindependence.com/contact
Address: Independence, IA 50644
Phone: 3196935775
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

ECG Solar Iowa

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://ecgsolar.com/
Address: Anamosa, IA 52205
Phone: 3193260922
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Hawkeye Solar

  • 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

Website: https://hawkeye-solar.com/
Address: Hiawatha, IA 52233
Phone: 3197439891
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

RJ Construction

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.rjconstructionmarion.net/
Address: Marion, IA 52302
Phone: 3193739672
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Prodigy Power

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://prodigypower.solar/
Address: Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 8008716998
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Big Dog Solar Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.bigdogenergy.com/
Address: Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 3192082202
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

ECG Solar Cedar Rapids

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://ecgsolar.com/locations/cedar-rapids-ia/
Address: Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 3192083693
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

IEA Power

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.ieapower.com/
Address: Hiawatha, IA 52233
Phone: 3194837193
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sunergy Renewable Systems

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: http://sunergyrs.com/
Address: Peosta, IA 52068
Phone: 8337863749
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Central Iowa Power Cooperative

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://cipco.net/
Address: Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Phone: 3193668011
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.rabehardware.com/
Address: Vinton, IA 52349
Phone: 3194722011
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Industrial Energy Applications

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.ieapower.com/
Address: Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: 3193984411
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Purelight Power of Cedar Rapids

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://purelightpower.com/cedar-rapids-solar-installation/
Address: Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: 3193827581
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Nelson Electric Co

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.nelsonelectric.com/
Address: Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Phone: 3193666257

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Manchester

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


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 Manchester

For lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar panels comes down to the cost. Some main factors that dictate the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time are:

  • How much sunlight your roof gets: This, plus your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can make.
  • Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their overall solar costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $19,000 on your utility bills over 20 years not including incentives.
  • Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you want will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
  • How much power your household needs: If your home uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from switching to solar.

So is installing solar panels worth it? Whether you want to reduce your electricity costs, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Manchester homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Manchester

In order to increase the adoption of solar power, federal, state and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make solar power more affordable and accessible. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly use the ITC with other state and city incentives. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Manchester.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Manchester

An important reason so many homeowners are considering adopting solar energy is to help reduce their environmental impact. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Manchester, though. Regardless of your location, you can help the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that use more energy will have a bigger impact. When you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by about 90 pounds each year. For people who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.

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

Sunpro 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 Manchester, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best near me?

In Manchester, ECG Solar Iowa is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.

Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?

Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. 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 to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 9.6 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

How often do solar panels have to be replaced?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.