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10 Best Solar Companies in Cedar Rapids, IA

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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.

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Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Cedar Rapids

ECG Solar Cedar Rapids

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4701 1st Ave SE #10, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (319) 326-0763 ecgsolar.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Off-grid solar systems
Emergency services
Skilled repairs
Financing assistance
Maintenance
Battery storage
Consultation
Commercial panels
Residential panels

Purelight Power of Cedar Rapids

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1120 Depot Ln SE #100, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (319) 382-7581 purelightpower.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Consultation
Commercial panels
Residential panels

Prodigy Power

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3289 Armar Dr, Marion, IA 52302 (800) 871-6998 prodigypower.solar

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Residential panels
Permit assistance
Consultation
Solar panel upgrades

Eagle Point Solar

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1220 Capital Dr SW # B, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319) 450-0225 eaglepointsolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Permit assistance
Residential panels
Financing assistance

RJ Construction

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637 16th St, Marion, IA 52302 (319) 373-9672 rjconstructionmarion.net

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Residential panels
Maintenance

ECG Solar Iowa

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9663 230th Ave, Anamosa, IA 52205 (319) 326-0922 ecgsolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Maintenance
Battery storage
Commercial panels
Residential panels
Skilled repairs
Off-grid solar systems
Consultation
Financing assistance

True Solar

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170 Greenfield Dr Unit D, Tiffin, IA 52340 (855) 873-2797 truesolariowa.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Consultation
Commercial panels
Solar panel upgrades
Residential panels

Iowa Solar Pros

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2431 Coral Ct #1, Coralville, IA 52241 (319) 929-0992 iowasolarpros.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Residential panels
Maintenance

Midwest Solar Installers

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1601 University Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701 (319) 243-1569 midwestsolarinstallers.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Family-operated business

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Maintenance
Permit assistance
Financing assistance
Residential panels
Battery storage
Solar panel upgrades

Sunergy Renewable Systems

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15016 N Cascade Rd, Peosta, IA 52068 (833) 786-3749 sunergyrs.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Consultation
Maintenance
Permit assistance
Residential panels
Skilled repairs
Commercial panels
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

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.

Check Licensing

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.

Read Customer Reviews

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.

Compare Multiple Quotes

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.

Ask About the Warranty

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.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Going solar can help lower your energy expenses. Be sure to consider these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states also offer incentives. These credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: More discounts might be available from local power companies looking to encourage homeowners to go solar. Contact your local utility provider to find out rebate values and qualification criteria, so you can calculate your possible savings.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels outright or spread out payments over time with a lease or loan. Be sure to check key details like annual percentage rate (APR), fees, payment schedule, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Cedar Rapids

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.

Cedar Rapids Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% of value added by renewable system

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: iowa.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption for 10 years

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: alliantenergy.com

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 Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: tax.iowa.gov

Incentive Amount:

20% of the Federal Tax Credit, equivalent to 6% of the system cost

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Website: tax.iowa.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% of sales tax

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: state.ia.us

Incentive Amount:

Property valued at 0% of the net acquisition cost in the first assessment year, increasing annually by 5 percentage points to a maximum of 30% of the net acquisition cost in the 7th and succeeding years

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: linncountyrec.com

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

Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Exemption

Website: tax.iowa.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption for self-generators, landfill gas and wind
Reduced rate for large hydro

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: tax.iowa.gov

Incentive Amount:

50% of Federal ITC (15% for 2019 and earlier, 13% for 2020, 11% for 2021, 5% for 2022, 0% for 2023 and later).

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Cedar Rapids, IA

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.

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