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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Every year, more Iowa City homeowners install rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a trustworthy solar installer. That’s why, after properly vetting providers, we put together a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Iowa City. These companies have a reputation for dependable quality service.
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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 reduce your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When deciding if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. In Iowa, anyone making at least $2,000 per year from non-DIY electrical or solar energy work is a contractor and must pursue licensure from the Division of Labor. To install solar PV systems, a company will need an electrical contractor or journeyman license.
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar installers. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you assess a provider's reliability and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should explain all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the most cost-effective option for your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The performance guarantee ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Iowa City will depend on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system will cost $4,010 per kilowatt, not including preliminary work, permit fees, or labor. Most solar systems in Iowa City are 9.6 kilowatts, and the typical Iowa City homeowners spends $27,053 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
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 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:
LED Lighting: $2/bulb
Security Yard Lights: $100
Geothermal Heat Pumps (New Construction): $350/ton
Geothermal Heat Pumps (Upgrade): $700/ton
Air Source Heat Pumps (New Construction): $400
Air Source Heat Pumps (Upgrade): $800
Central Air Conditioners: $200
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $400
Refrigerators: $50
Freezers: $50
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
Of course. The grid in Iowa City 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.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, their rated capacity, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Iowa City gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 15.7 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Of course. Solar panels don't depend on the grid to work and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Bear in mind, however, that a solar system won't take you through a nighttime outage if you don't have a storage system. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
Regarding 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. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should speak with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
Solar panels are gaining traction for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.
