4 Best Solar Companies in Altoona, WI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Altoona based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Altoona, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Altoona homeowner saves $1,592/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Altoona
As a homeowner in Altoona, you may be interested in switching to solar and wondering about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a good choice since it has many benefits. The average home can save $19,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And since solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, your total savings will be well above that overall.
There are plenty of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Altoona.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Altoona, click the "get quote" button below.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Altoona
Next Step Energy
Informative Resources- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Skilled Repairs- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Solar Chippewa Valley
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Midwest Solars
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Champion Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Altoona
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Altoona 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 Altoona
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Wisconsin 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 Altoona
For a lot of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar panels boils down to the cost.There are several factors you should take into consideration when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: One thing that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your power bills, which can generate an average of $19,000 of savings over 20 years.
- How much power your household needs: If your home uses a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from installing solar panels.
- Your power bills: This will influence how much money you might save. In Altoona, the average resident can save about $1,100 a year on their electricity bills.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you’re trying to decrease your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Altoona homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Altoona
Although a solar power system is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a lot of money over the lifespan of your solar panels due to reduced power bills and government incentives.Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. You can find out about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Altoona
Going solar can have a positive effect on the environment.But – how much exactly can you help by making the switch to solar? The amount of energy you use is a key factor to keep in mind. The more power your home uses, the larger your impact when you go solar.In Altoona, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. The great things about solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many Altoona residents have been happy with committing to solar.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Altoona, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Altoona?
In Altoona, Next Step Energy is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What are the biggest pros and cons of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your electricity bills, it’s eco-friendly, and it can give you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels call for a significant upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, your budget and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.