Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Le Mars residents. Transitioning to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Le Mars. These reliable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could reduce your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. In Iowa, anyone making at least $2,000 annually from non-DIY solar or electrical work is a contractor and must pursue licensure from the Division of Labor. To install solar photovoltaic systems, a company will need an electrical contractor or journeyman license.
Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should outline all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the option that aligns with your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Going solar can help reduce your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The average Le Mars homeowner will spend around $26,857 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Le Mars cost roughly $4,010 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 9.6 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for labor, permit fees, and preliminary work, and will account for your system's panel type, capacity, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Le Mars, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to notify your insurer about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
