13 Best Solar Companies in West Des Moines, IA (Mar 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in West Des Moines based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in West Des Moines
When deciding on the best solar installers, West Des Moines homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we're here to make adopting solar energy that much easier. Installation costs can be high, but switching to solar will save you money on your energy bills over time. In fact, you can look forward to saving about $16,000 over 20 years.
If you're considering going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in West Des Moines and compare quotes. That's why we did the hard work and put together a list of the best solar companies so you don't have to. To get an estimate of how much it could cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
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 West Des Moines
Local Service
Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom
-
Educational sales approach - Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Family owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
1 Source Solar
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
CEC Electric
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Atwood Electric, Inc. & AE Solar
- Family owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Solutions
- Locally owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar FX Corporation
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
SolarTech of Iowa
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Simpleray Solar - Bloomfield
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
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
Local Service
Western Iowa Power Cooperative
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
AEC Solar
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
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
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 West Des Moines
The cost of installing a solar panel system has decreased greatly in the past several years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. There are several factors you should take into consideration when determining costs and your potential savings, such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Average daily sunlight: Since West Des Moines gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much your electricity bills will be.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $16,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
- average energy usage: The more power your home uses on average and the larger your current power bills are, the more money you could save by making the switch to solar.
There are lots of good benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your wallet. Plus, it can boost the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in West Des Moines
Although installing solar panels is typically a large investment, it can save you a considerable amount of money over several years because of smaller utility bills and government incentives. These incentives typically include cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can lower the cost you pay for going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on your location. You can find out about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in West Des Moines
If you're thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the main reasons why may be to lower your carbon footprint. But — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? The more energy your house uses, the the more the environment will benefit when you switch to solar since you won't need to burn as many fossil fuels. In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar energy is plentiful and generates electricity without releasing carbon emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help preserve the planet.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's West Des Moines, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in West Des Moines?
In West Des Moines, Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it's eco-friendly, and it gives you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most common time people install solar panels, the optimal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the more expensive 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.