There are currently 25 solar energy companies operating in Iowa. Below you can compare the prices and reputations of solar installers, solar panel manufacturers and other solar energy companies servicing Iowa today and learn how to select the best one.
4.72 89 Reviews
Doran Williams, over 1 month
We were referred by a friend that had an array built on their house roof. We had a ground array set and and are very happy with it. High quality equipment and professionally installed. The system is very well built and is working great so far. We just got set up and can monitor everything that is being produced.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,750 ($3.15 per watt)
Doran Williams, over 1 month
We were referred by a friend that had an array built on their house roof. We had a ground array set and and are very happy with it. High quality equipment and professionally installed. The system is very well built and is working great so far. We just got set up and can monitor everything that is being produced.
4.66 35 Reviews
Eschbank Farms, over 1 month
We searched out many different companies before we made the decision to go with Atwood Electric, Inc. We made that decision based upon how straightforward and honest they were from the very beginning. We were always kept in the loop of what was going on. Once the project was complete they made sure that we were happy with it, and understood how it worked. When we had questions they were always more than happy to answer them throughout the whole process. They were very easy to work with.
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Eschbank Farms, over 1 month
We searched out many different companies before we made the decision to go with Atwood Electric, Inc. We made that decision based upon how straightforward and honest they were from the very beginning. We were always kept in the loop of what was going on. Once the project was complete they made sure that we were happy with it, and understood how it worked. When we had questions they were always more than happy to answer them throughout the whole process. They were very easy to work with.
4.38 7 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
CB Solar looked at our location and assessed our electrical usage, then gave us information on what would work for our house. They did all the legwork necessary to comply with our local REC requirements. That gave us peace of mind to know it was all handled by their knowledgeable engineers. <br />Once they installed our solar panels, we had immediate results on our very next electric bill.<br />We are very happy with CB Solar's expertise and their continued interest to be sure our array is working for us.<br />And we are glad to be using a renewable energy source to help power our house.<br />Just wish we had a bigger roof so we could have had a few more panels!
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Anonymous, over 1 month
CB Solar looked at our location and assessed our electrical usage, then gave us information on what would work for our house. They did all the legwork necessary to comply with our local REC requirements. That gave us peace of mind to know it was all handled by their knowledgeable engineers. <br />Once they installed our solar panels, we had immediate results on our very next electric bill.<br />We are very happy with CB Solar's expertise and their continued interest to be sure our array is working for us.<br />And we are glad to be using a renewable energy source to help power our house.<br />Just wish we had a bigger roof so we could have had a few more panels!
4.38 7 Reviews
Randi, over 1 month
Working with Olson Solar Energy was amazing from the quote, through installation, and after install when submitting documentation for the energy rebates. They made it easy for me as the homeowner, which I really appreciate. I highly recommend them if you are looking into adding solar to your home.
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Randi, over 1 month
Working with Olson Solar Energy was amazing from the quote, through installation, and after install when submitting documentation for the energy rebates. They made it easy for me as the homeowner, which I really appreciate. I highly recommend them if you are looking into adding solar to your home.
4.32 25 Reviews
JOHN, over 1 month
first, the office was local, second the response from the salesman and installation team was very cordial and helpful.
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JOHN, over 1 month
first, the office was local, second the response from the salesman and installation team was very cordial and helpful.
4.17 4 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
I contracted with RJ Construction to install solar array equipment. I was very satisfied with the quality of work as well as the innovative ideas RJ came up with.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
I contracted with RJ Construction to install solar array equipment. I was very satisfied with the quality of work as well as the innovative ideas RJ came up with.
3.93 4 Reviews
C Gotschall, over 1 month
I went with GRNE for our solar install last fall based on vetting done by Solarize Chicagoland. So glad I did! I couldn't recommend them more highly. Every person I've had contact with has been professional and extremely helpful every step of the way, very conscientious and patient with all my questions. The install went great and the panels have been up and running for months now, working like a dream. Thanks GRNE!
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C Gotschall, over 1 month
I went with GRNE for our solar install last fall based on vetting done by Solarize Chicagoland. So glad I did! I couldn't recommend them more highly. Every person I've had contact with has been professional and extremely helpful every step of the way, very conscientious and patient with all my questions. The install went great and the panels have been up and running for months now, working like a dream. Thanks GRNE!
3.75 1 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
Haven't paid a penny in electricity cost since installing my Sun Rack Solar System last year. Very professional throughout the entire process and install looks great! Very Happy!
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Anonymous, over 1 month
Haven't paid a penny in electricity cost since installing my Sun Rack Solar System last year. Very professional throughout the entire process and install looks great! Very Happy!
3.56 3 Reviews
Erin Kidwell, over 1 month
Just kidding. Chris did a wonderful presentation and answered all of our questions perfectly. I just have anxiety so it took me a few minutes to come around. :) The system sounds great and I'm excited to become more independent and move towards off-grid living. I would recommend Chris if you are interested in learning more about solar and what it can do for you. No pressure service. Easy process.
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Erin Kidwell, over 1 month
Just kidding. Chris did a wonderful presentation and answered all of our questions perfectly. I just have anxiety so it took me a few minutes to come around. :) The system sounds great and I'm excited to become more independent and move towards off-grid living. I would recommend Chris if you are interested in learning more about solar and what it can do for you. No pressure service. Easy process.
3.36 11 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
T. M. screwed me out of a lot of money. He didn't pay the electrician. They didn't install the solar right and I had to hire a different solar company to come in and redo everything to get it up and running right. This man closed the doors to this business and opened up another solar company under the name of Solar Planet Group and then under LTD Solar. I understand that he is now operating under the name Solar Advisers.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
T. M. screwed me out of a lot of money. He didn't pay the electrician. They didn't install the solar right and I had to hire a different solar company to come in and redo everything to get it up and running right. This man closed the doors to this business and opened up another solar company under the name of Solar Planet Group and then under LTD Solar. I understand that he is now operating under the name Solar Advisers.
The reviews scores for the largest solar companies are far worse than those for local, family-owned solar installation companies.
The best solar companies meet the following criteria:
The solar industry is full of fly-by-night solar companies — both big and small — that open one year and are gone the next.
Solar panels last for 25-30 years, so you want an installer who will help you with any problems or system faults. For this to happen, your installer needs to be able to stay in business
Local solar companies, as a group, have the highest reviews score on our site and also have lower overheads than corporate installers, making them more likely to survive in the long term.
Companies reviewed
Avg rating of Iowa solar installers
Avg size of residential system
Avg price 10.19kW installed system
2.48 586 Reviews
Rowdy,
5 days ago
Omar and crew did an excellent job keeping me in the loop and working around my schedule.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$10,000 ($2.00 per watt)
Rowdy, 5 days ago
Omar and crew did an excellent job keeping me in the loop and working around my schedule.
4.77 911 Reviews
Charles,
over 1 month
I used this company to have a basis for my solar panels on my new house. They did a great assessment of my usage, roof, and environment. They came to the house after numerous meetings online (COVID) to finalize the project and check if 100% everything was fine. Everything financially was reviewed. Before starting, they took over all the communication with the HOA. Once approved by the HOA, the project was started. I now have 28 beautiful Solar Panels which cover 100% of my yearly usage. Would I recommend Cape Fear Solar Systems: YES.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$19,950 ($3.99 per watt)
Charles, over 1 month
I used this company to have a basis for my solar panels on my new house. They did a great assessment of my usage, roof, and environment. They came to the house after numerous meetings online (COVID) to finalize the project and check if 100% everything was fine. Everything financially was reviewed. Before starting, they took over all the communication with the HOA. Once approved by the HOA, the project was started. I now have 28 beautiful Solar Panels which cover 100% of my yearly usage. Would I recommend Cape Fear Solar Systems: YES.
4.84 318 Reviews
William Hurley,
over 1 month
The Panasonic panels we had installed had better power generation than what the competition wanted to steer us towards, and a much longer warranty.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$21,700 ($4.34 per watt)
William Hurley, over 1 month
The Panasonic panels we had installed had better power generation than what the competition wanted to steer us towards, and a much longer warranty.
4.54 893 Reviews
Roger,
over 1 month
We have had Sunpower Solar now for a little over a year now and are more then just pleased. We produce much more then we use. In fact we have a nice credit built up with the electric company. So far we haven't had any problems with the system and would recommend Sunpower to anyone.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$24,550 ($4.91 per watt)
Roger, over 1 month
We have had Sunpower Solar now for a little over a year now and are more then just pleased. We produce much more then we use. In fact we have a nice credit built up with the electric company. So far we haven't had any problems with the system and would recommend Sunpower to anyone.
1.76 235 Reviews
Antonio,
3 days ago
I brought solar panels and the was a very dissatisfied liars you don't save energy they don't explain about you bill are more higher . In summer I pay $400 plus 115 for the panels . In winter I pay 60 dls and we don't stay in home until night . In short words the panels don't cover the empty house . Don't buy panels liars.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,750 ($3.35 per watt)
Antonio, 3 days ago
I brought solar panels and the was a very dissatisfied liars you don't save energy they don't explain about you bill are more higher . In summer I pay $400 plus 115 for the panels . In winter I pay 60 dls and we don't stay in home until night . In short words the panels don't cover the empty house . Don't buy panels liars.
2.70 615 Reviews
V.G. Jones,
5 days ago
We chose the item because we felt that it was a good program; unfortunately for two months the system was faulty and due to a mixture of rash estimates, faulty math, and general incompetence for 9 months are bills were wildly erratic and bore little relation to production numbers. The company seems to have outsourced each of their customer service/billing/production depts. and they fail to communicate with each other and no one seems to have any authority or ability to answer questions. Their help desk does not reply to emails. Our bills and production numbers have now settled down and we would be happy enough, but we are still in dispute over billing errors as the production records and billing do not match. I regret entering into a contract with such a systemically poorly-organized company.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$22,350 ($4.47 per watt)
V.G. Jones, 5 days ago
We chose the item because we felt that it was a good program; unfortunately for two months the system was faulty and due to a mixture of rash estimates, faulty math, and general incompetence for 9 months are bills were wildly erratic and bore little relation to production numbers. The company seems to have outsourced each of their customer service/billing/production depts. and they fail to communicate with each other and no one seems to have any authority or ability to answer questions. Their help desk does not reply to emails. Our bills and production numbers have now settled down and we would be happy enough, but we are still in dispute over billing errors as the production records and billing do not match. I regret entering into a contract with such a systemically poorly-organized company.
4.60 110 Reviews
Eric B,
over 1 month
NorthStar recommend Jinko based on their reputation and after about a month, all panels are working great.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,400 ($4.08 per watt)
Eric B, over 1 month
NorthStar recommend Jinko based on their reputation and after about a month, all panels are working great.
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,034.20
($2.39 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,220.98
($2.51 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,465.06
($2.35 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$12,515.90
($2.45 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$291.18 ($0.88 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,571.14
($2.34 p/w)
VBH330RA03K overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$340.00 ($1.00 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$14,280.00
($2.80 p/w)
VBHN340SA17 HIT+ overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
20.3
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.31 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,758.47
($2.38 p/w)
VBHN330SA17E overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$297.60 ($0.89 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,583.92
($2.50 p/w)
VBHN335SA17 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
20
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,630.27
($2.37 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,987.36
($2.38 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,442.66
($2.54 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,358.66
($2.52 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$205.00 ($0.58 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,065.69
($2.23 p/w)
CS3U-355PB-AG overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
17.7
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$240.01 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.8kW system
$11,426.74
($2.38 p/w)
CS3W-400PB-AG overview
Rated power
400 watts
Efficiency
17.9
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$207.90 ($0.66 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,630.37
($2.31 p/w)
CS3K-315MS overview
Rated power
315 watts
Efficiency
18.96
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$247.00 ($0.75 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,989.20
($2.42 p/w)
CS1H-330MS BLACK overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.57
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$10,885.81
($2.23 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,105.59
($2.24 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$11,317.54
($2.22 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$228.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$10,898.45
($2.21 p/w)
LR4-60HPH-380M overview
Rated power
380 watts
Efficiency
20.9
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
300 Lakeside Drive, 24th Floor,
Oakland, CA, 94612
(855) 746-7849
https://www.joinmosaic.com/
Mosaic offers choices for solar financing. One loan is structured so that the monthly payment is lower than their existing electricity bill. The average Mosaic customer saves $30,550* over the life of the solar energy system, sometimes starting right from the time the system is energized. And when the homeowner owns their system, they claim all the savings, from the federal tax credit to any state or local incentives.
433 California St, Suite 300,
San Francisco, CA, 94123
(844) 805-7100
https://www.dividendsolar.com
Dividend is a leading national provider of renewable energy and energy-efficient financing solutions to property owners. We give our customers the opportunity to obtain clean energy financing through a comprehensive suite of financing options. Our flagship product, the EmpowerLoan™, continues to expand its product offerings into the storage and home-energy space. Dividend also offers commercial PACE, which is a public-private financing mechanism for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and seismic upgrades on privately-owned property.
6220 Enfield Avenue,
Encino, CA, 91316
(844) 810-7713
https://www.greensky.com/
GreenSky® was founded on the idea that payment, credit and commerce could be enhanced using technology and elegant user experiences. We believed payment and credit could be an asset that empowers and enables commerce, not a distraction or impediment. Today, GreenSky delivers a service that helps business grow and delight their customers.
2100 South McDowell Boulevard,
Petaluma, CA, 94954
(866) 634-1358
https://ygrene.com/
A national leader in residential and commercial clean energy financing via PACE , Ygrene Energy Fund is revolutionizing the home improvement industry.
(800) 764-3601
https://www.greenbizfinancial.com/
The mission of GreenBiz Financial is to offer solar and other energy-efficient home improvement loans with attractive rates to our customers.
LightSteam is a national online consumer lending division of SunTrust Bank, the flagship subsidiary of SunTrust Banks Inc., one of the nation’s leading financial services companies.
2 Altieri Way,
Warwick, RI, 02886
(401) 773-9948
https://www.homeloanbank.com
Fast loan processing, competitive fixed rates with no pre-payment penalties and attentive customer service Home Loan Investment Bank, FSB is a full-service financial institution offering commercial lending, home improvement lending, small business lending, personal and business banking, automobile financing and mortgage services. We are a federally regulated, FDIC-insured savings bank with branches in Providence and Warwick, Rhode Island and are dedicated to helping our customers with their financial needs through our team of experienced and friendly bank representatives. We will give you personalized one-on-one attention and professional guidance to ensure that your transaction is completed in an accurate and timely manner. We are also a member of the Allpoint Network, providing access to over 40,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. Whether you are looking to open a CD, refinance your home or start a business, we offer competitive rates. Call us today and see how we can help with your financial needs.
1245 E. Brickyard Road Suite 600,
Salt Lake City, UT, 84106
84106-2562
https://enerbank.com
FDIC insured EnerBank USA® is a highly specialized, national consumer lender that helps strategic business partners and independent home improvement contractors increase sales. Strategic business partners include manufacturers, distributors, franchisors, member or trade associations, and major retailers of home improvement, remodeling, and energy-saving products and services. They all rely on the bank to be here today and tomorrow to fund customer loans and help them achieve their business goals and objectives. We are America's home improvement lender of choice. We are reliable, professional, and we produce results.
22232 17th Ave SE,
Bothell, WA, 98021
888.833.8570
https://www.medallionbank.com
We offer similar programs and pricing as the big Banks, but with the kind of personal attention that you won't get with a black box lender. Our team provides a level of interaction and dedication to problem-solving that is unique in our industry. We also have a consumer-friendly process with no prepayment penalties or other hidden costs.
268 South State Street,
Salt Lake City, UT, 84111
800.509.6191
https://www.celticbank.com/
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Celtic Bank is a privately owned industrial bank chartered by the State of Utah. Celtic Bank specializes in small business finance, helping business owners with working capital, expansion, acquisition, construction, equipment financing, renewable energy finance, real estate purchases and refinances, and more. Celtic Bank has ranked as one of the top ten SBA lenders nationally since 2013. Celtic Bank has a proven track record in a range of industries, including renewable energy finance, healthcare, gas station / C-store, car wash, hotel and others. Every business loan application is approached with a creative and problem-solving mindset, and we aim to structure tailored financing solutions that help our clients meet their growth objectives.
Net cost of system
Average payback time
Annual power production
Levelized cost of solar energy
If you don't get solar
18¢ /kWh
Savings over 25 years
System size* | Avg cost per watt |
Avg cost
(After tax credit) show before tax |
---|---|---|
4kW | $2.77 | $8,184 |
5kW | $2.65 | $9,798 |
6kW | $2.53 | $11,238 |
7kW | $2.50 | $12,971 |
8kW | $2.53 | $14,978 |
9kW | $2.45 | $16,317 |
10kW | $2.42 | $17,930 |
12kW | $2.42 | $21,490 |
15kW | $2.30 | $25,497 |
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Iowa can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
Eligibility: Federal incentive
Type: Personal Tax Credit
|
Eligibility: State incentive
Type: Personal Tax Credit
|
Note: Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
Ben Zientara
December 23, 2020
This annual report ranks the states for friendliness to home solar based on their net metering programs.
Catherine Lane
January 30, 2020
A review of how the Iowa Caucus works, its importance, and if the winner in Iowa gives insight into the future of solar.
Dan Hahn
January 15, 2021
An overview of flow batteries, including their applications, industry outlook, and comparisons to lithium-ion technology for clean energy storage.
Catherine Lane
January 15, 2021
Tesla’s new solar inverter is pretty standard when it comes to specifications, but it’s potential to drop solar prices is exciting.
Ana Almerini
January 13, 2021
What are solar panels, how do they work? Solar panels use silicon solar cells to convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity through the photovoltaic effect.