14 Best Solar Companies in Marion, IA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Marion based on:

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

Average Marion homeowner saves $1,611/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 Marion

Searching for the top solar companies in Marion? Installing solar panels is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. Because Marion has a great capacity for solar energy generation, going solar is financially rewarding for many homeowners.

In this article, we'll list out the top Marion solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's clean energy needs. Interested in seeing how much you would pay to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Marion solar installer.

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 Marion

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
ecowatch badge icon

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
ecowatch badge icon

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
ecowatch badge icon

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

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
ecowatch badge icon

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
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
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

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

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

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

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
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Cedar Rapids

  • 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

Website: https://www.greentechrenewables.com/location/cedar-rapids-ia
Address: Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Phone: 3199001309

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Marion

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


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 Marion

The cost of installing a solar panel system has dropped significantly over the past few years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. There are a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • average energy usage: The more electricity your home consumes on average and the greater your current electricity bills are, the more benefits you'll see from switching to solar.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you reduce your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $19,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
  • The amount of sunlight your city gets: Thanks to Marion's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your power bills.
  • Your income and budget: This shapes what type of solar panels you can afford.

Thanks to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Marion

Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over time due to lower energy bills and government incentives. There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that earn anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after buying a qualifying system. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in your area.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Marion

There are a few main reasons why many people are interested in solar energy: for the good of their bank accounts and the planet. Something many might have in mind is how much can they really help save the environment by going solar anyway? Going solar is a great choice for the environment, because the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation — all of which can be powered by solar instead. Even though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Marion, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. If you care about the environment, you'll likely understand that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.

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 Marion, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best in Marion?

The top local solar company in Marion is ECG Solar Iowa, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?

Solar panels can be bad 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 needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how many watts of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.