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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Year after year, more Cedar Rapids residents install rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and provide a dependable source of power. Making the transition to solar energy can allow you to save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on installers, we compiled a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Cedar Rapids. These companies have a reputation for high-quality service.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Family-operated business
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. In Iowa, anyone making at least $2,000 annually from non-DIY electrical or solar energy work is a contractor and must pursue licensure from the Division of Labor. To install solar photovoltaic systems, a company will need an journeyman or electrical contractor license.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with providers that have hardly any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact three to five solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.
High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Going solar can help lower your energy expenses. Be sure to consider these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
In Cedar Rapids, solar panels cost an average of $4,010 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 9.7 kilowatts. The typical Cedar Rapids homeowner spends $27,274 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information based on your desired system's capacity, panel type, size, and required preliminary work. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Incentive Amount:
Advanced Power Strips: up to $20
Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$800 for existing homes, $180-$480 for new homes
Appliance Recycling: up to $50
Central A/C: $150-$600 for existing homes, $90-$360 for new homes
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: Varies
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: $300-$350 for existing homes, $180-$210 for new homes
Electric HVAC System Tune-Up: up to $50
Gas Furnace: $180 for existing homes, $80 for new homes
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,320-$1,750 for existing homes, $790-$1,050 for new homes
Learning Thermostat: $100 for existing homes, $60 for new homes
LED Light Bulbs: In-Store Rebates
Online Home Energy Assessment: FREE
Room Air Purifier: up to $30
Variable Speed Pool Pumps: up to $220
Incentive Amount:
All Star Home (New Construction): $500/home
Premier Electric Home (New Construction): $200/home
Heat Pump Water Heater: $650/unit
High Efficiency Electric Water Heater: $75-$150/unit
Drain Water Heat Recovery Systems: $450/unit
Clothes Washer: $40/unit
Clothes Dryer: $20/unit
Interior Lighting: $5/fixture
Outdoor Lighting: $10-$60/fixture
Geothermal Heat Pump: $150-$400/ton
Air Source Heat Pump: $200-$300/ton plus $250 bonus
Central A/C: $100
Heat Recovery Ventilator: $250/unit
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can raise your property values, reduce emissions, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes. The grid in Cedar Rapids already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Cedar Rapids, the average amount someone can save is $1,943 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. Cedar Rapids gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 14.0 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Yes, solar panels will still be able to provide you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system is able to keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.
When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. As for insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
Solar energy is on par with other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.