Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Des Moines. A solar panel array can help you provide a dependable source of power, add value to your property, and decrease your carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. That’s why we’ve researched the options and assembled a guide to the most trustworthy solar Installers in Des Moines. These top installers offer high-quality and reliable services.
Fair employee wages
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Family-operated business
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could cut 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.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. Solar energy companies in Washington are required to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In specific situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to confirm compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s dependability and customer service. Be cautious of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact 3–5 solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and list the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The performance warranty promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The average Des Moines homeowner will spend around $10,925 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Des Moines cost roughly $3,590 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 4.3 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
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 panels, 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. With the winter months in Washington being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't reach peak performance until summer arrives.
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.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease 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 Des Moines, the average amount someone can save is $750 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once per season. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to receive compensation for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.
The best type of residential solar panel depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Des Moines. However, if you have a limited budget, then you could thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
