11 Best Solar Companies in Altoona, WI (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Altoona based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Altoona, WI
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Altoona homeowner saves $1,592/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 Altoona

Finding the best solar panel installation company for your roof is a huge decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Altoona. Because solar panels produce their own energy, they can vastly lower your electricity bill each month, if not totally eliminate it. In fact, you could look forward to about $19,000 of savings over 20 years.

If you're considering going solar, the first step to make is to find the best solar companies in Altoona and compare quotes. The good news is we went ahead and compiled a list of the best solar companies so you don't have to. To help you figure out if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Altoona by clicking the button below.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

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 for Leasing
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.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

Next Step Energy

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.nextstepenergy.com/
Address: 612 Wagner Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: 7158309337
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Forma Design

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.solarformadesign.com/
Address: 1106 Mondovi Rd Suite# 209, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: 7158281736
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: https://www.ecec.com/
Address: 8214 US-12, Fall Creek, WI 54742
Phone: 7158321603
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolaDeck

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.soladeck.com/
Address: 1501 Continental Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: 7158309997
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Chippewa Valley

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: https://solarchippewavalley.com/
Address: 1204 Superior St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Phone: 7157205825
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Midwest Solars

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://midwestsolars.com/
Address: 910 Countryside Pkwy, Mondovi, WI 54755
Phone: 3214469029
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Champion Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.championsolar.com/
Address: 7010 US-61, Minnesota City, MN 55959
Phone: 5073120190

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

We know that for most homeowners, the decision to invest in solar comes down to installation costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:

  • How much energy you use: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from switching to solar.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Altoona doesn't get a lot of average daily sunlight, your solar system may not be able to 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. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $19,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
  • Your power bills: This will impact your savings. In Altoona, the average resident can save about $1,500 a year on their electricity bills.

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, giving you even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Altoona

There are many reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them consists of some government incentives that can help save you some money. State and city solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Altoona.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Altoona

Installing solar panels can have a beneficial impact on the environment. But — how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? How much energy you use is a key factor to consider. The more power your household consumes, the bigger your impact when you go solar. In Altoona, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. Since solar power is renewable and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

What is the most reputable solar company in Altoona?

In Altoona, Sisu Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.

What are a few of the pros and cons of adopting solar power?

The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, for some, 100% erase your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save a lot if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?

Solar panels require a large upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can generate under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their energy needs.

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.