8 Best Solar Companies in Waterloo, IA (Aug 2022 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Waterloo 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
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Best solar companies in Waterloo
Getting the right solar panel installation company for your home is a huge decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Waterloo. While solar panels are a large investment, you'll be able to make that expense back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $16,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we'll tell you about the top Waterloo solar installers so you can find the best one for your home's renewable energy needs. To see how much you might have to pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Waterloo by clicking the "get quote" button 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 Waterloo
Local Service
1 Source Solar
-
Offers a free quote process - Can browse portfolio on website
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services - Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
- 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
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
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
Sun Rack Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar FX Corporation
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- 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 Waterloo
While solar panels can help save you a good amount of money on utility bills over time, it's necessary to take into consideration the startup costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- The model of solar panels you're planning on getting: Higher-efficiency panels cost more, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 26% of their installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $16,000 on your utility bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- Energy consumption: Solar may be too steep of an investment for homes that don't consume too much energy each month.
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, along with the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can make.
So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you're trying to lower your energy bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Waterloo homeowners.
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If you're wondering what your impact could be if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Waterloo, IA.
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Solar Incentives in Waterloo
Because solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives in place to encourage its adoption. When you install a solar panel system on your house, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 26% of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there may often be some local incentives that you can benefit from to further save. In the table below, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in Waterloo.
| 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 Waterloo
An important reason so many are thinking of switching to solar power is to help lower their environmental impact. But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? Going solar is an impactful choice for the environment, due to the fact that the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation — all of which can be powered by solar instead. Because solar panels don't release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar power is renewable and generates electricity without CO2 emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help preserve the planet.
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 Waterloo, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Waterloo?
In Waterloo, 1 Source Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, totally eradicate your electricity bills, raise your home's value and bring down your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not see as many savings 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 for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 12.2 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.
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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house 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.