12 Best Solar Companies in Waterloo, IA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Waterloo based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Waterloo, IA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Waterloo homeowner saves $1,346/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Waterloo
If you're on the hunt for the best solar companies in Waterloo, sorting through so many options can be daunting, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many good perks. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Waterloo, giving homeowners access to some of the most respected solar panel installers in the country.
If you're planning on going solar, the first step to make is to find the best solar companies in Waterloo and compare quotes. The good news is we went ahead and put together a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you. Want to see how much it'd cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Waterloo solar installer.
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 Waterloo
Midwest Solar Installers
-
Informative Resources - Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Expert panel installation - Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
Waverly Utilities
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
RJ Construction
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Prodigy Power
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Purelight Power of Cedar Rapids
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
Nelson Electric Co
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
ECG Solar Iowa
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
Big Dog Solar Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Greentech Renewables Cedar Rapids
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Eagle Point Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
MiEnergy Cooperative
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Waterloo
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Waterloo 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 Waterloo
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 Waterloo
Although solar panels can help save you money on energy bills over time, it's important to know the startup costs. Some key things that determine the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can take advantage of. Additionally, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- How much power your household consumes: Homes that need lots of energy each month may require more solar panels and, consequently, more upfront cost, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you need 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 space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, plus your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can produce.
So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you want to decrease your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Waterloo homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Waterloo
Because solar power is more sustainable than traditional energy sources, there are quite a few government incentives in place to encourage its adoption. 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 stack the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Waterloo
Installing solar panels is a compelling way to do what you can for a more eco-friendly future. You may be asking yourself — how much do solar panels do for the planet anyway? Everyone can help the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume lots of energy will have a greater impact. In Waterloo, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. Since solar energy is abundant and generates electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the planet.
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 Waterloo, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installation company in Waterloo?
In Waterloo, Omjc Signal Inc is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels really bad for the environment?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of 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.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 11.5 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When should I put up solar panels?
Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.
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.