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 June 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Urbandale homeowners. A rooftop solar array can help you provide a dependable source of power, decrease your carbon footprint, and add value to your property. Adopting solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and decrease your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation companies in Urbandale.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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:
Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is reliable.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. 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 electrical contractor or journeyman license.
Check Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar providers. Detailed reviews can help you assess a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should describe all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for your budget.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The output warranty ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar panels can help reduce your electricity costs over time. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.
The cost of solar panels varies based on your system's capacity and the technology used. The average solar system in Urbandale has a capacity of 9.6 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $4,010 per kilowatt; the average Urbandale homeowners spends about $26,827 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for factors such as the capacity, panel type, and size of the planned system, and should include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
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 heater.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, qualify for tax benefits, 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, 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, meaning that you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, their rated capacity, and the average sunlight in your area. Urbandale gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 17.8 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Yes. Solar panels are independent of the Urbandale grid and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Keep in mind, however, that a solar system without a storage system cannot keep you running through a nighttime outage. 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.
Ultimately, the answer will depend 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 inform your insurance company 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.
