Residents of the Hawkeye state have access to some of the best solar incentives of any state in the union. If you’re thinking about going solar in Iowa but aren’t sure what company is the best for you, you’ve come to the right place. This article breaks down the top seven solar companies in Iowa on the basis of cost, services provided, and customer support. We’ve also put together a helpful guide at the end that covers the most important factors to consider before choosing a solar provider.
Best Solar Installation Companies in Iowa
Below are the top seven solar companies we’ve found that serve customers in Iowa:
- SunPower: Best National Provider
- Energy Consultants Group, LLC: Best Local Provider
- Purelight Power: Outstanding Regional Installer
- ADT Solar: Best Solar Warranty
- Atwood Energy Services: Solar Veteran
- GRNE Solar: Outstanding Regional Provider
- Tesla Solar: Best Technology
Compare Our Ratings of the Top Solar Companies in Iowa
The following table provides a brief summary of the top seven solar companies in Iowa.
| Company | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Warranty | In-House Installation | Cost |
| SunPower | Best National Provider | 9.8 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency | Sometimes | $$$$ |
| Energy Consultants Group, LLC | Best Local Provider | 9.8 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, performance, and workmanship | Yes | $$ |
| Purelight Power | Outstanding Regional Installer | 9.7 | A | 20 years for equipment, 25 years for performance, 10 years for workmanship | Yes | $$$ |
| ADT Solar | Best Solar Warranty | 9.5 | A- | 25 years for equipment and performance | Yes | $$$ |
| Atwood Energy Services | Solar Veteran | 9.4 | Not rated | Variable manufacturers warranty for equipment, 10 years for workmanship | Yes | $$ |
| GRNE Solar | Outstanding Regional Provider | 9.3 | A+ | Unavailable | Yes | $$$ |
| Tesla | Best Technology | 9.3 | B | 25 years for equipment, 10 years overall | No | $$ |
SunPower
SunPower is one of the oldest and most well-respected companies in the Solar industry. The company has been doing business since 1985 and has amassed an impressive track record of providing the highest quality residential and commercial solar panel installations throughout the country during that time. SunPower’s most attractive offering is its high-quality Maxeon panels, which are regarded as the most efficient on the market today. The company also offers outstanding warranties that cover performance, equipment, and workmanship for 25 years.
Even though some power is not a local Iowa solar installer, the company can help you navigate Iowa’s solar policies and will ensure you obtain the necessary permits before your installation begins. SunPower contracts some of its installations to third-party installers, so make sure to ask your representative during your free quote visit who will perform the installation if it’s important to you.
SunPower Pros and Cons
Pros
- Nearly 40 years in the industry
- Industry-leading Maxeon panels
- Outstanding comprehensive warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Some installations are handled by a third-party
SunPower Cost, Warranty, & Services
SunPower’s experience is unmatched, making it a great choice for Iowa residents even though it’s not a local company.
Average Cost
SunPower costs above the Iowa state average, although its solar panel systems are high-quality and require less maintenance than panels from other brands, according to customer reviews.
Warranty
SunPower’s warranty covers its equipment, labor, and performance for 25 years, making it one of the best comprehensive warranties in the solar industry.
Solar Services
SunPower is a full-service solar panel installation company, offering panel installations, battery storage, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and system monitoring.
Financing Options
SunPower customers can choose to pay for their solar panels in cash, take out a solar loan, or participate in a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA).
Specials or Incentives Offered
As of this writing, SunPower incentives customers to recommend the company to friends and family by offering $100 for every person you refer who signs up for an in-home consultation.
In-House or Contracted Installations
SunPower is in the midst of transitioning to in-house installations, but some solar projects are still contracted out to an independent installer. Ask your representative during your free quote appointment if your system will be installed by an in-house team.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
One of SunPower’s main draws is its high-quality Maxeon panels. Maxeon panels are among the most energy-efficient photovoltaic panels available for rooftop solar systems.
Partnerships
SunPower is the official solar provider for the San Francisco 49ers and has an extensive network of installers throughout the United States.
Energy Consultants Group, LLC
Energy Consultants Group (ECG) is a local solar company based outside Cedar Rapids. The company has been in business since 2008 and has established itself as one of Iowa’s best solar installers in its almost 15 years in the industry. The company’s website is absolutely packed with helpful information, a testament to its dedication to educating its customers about solar and helping them make informed choices about their home’s solar system.
On a similar note, ECG epitomizes the small local solar installer by providing unparalleled customer service throughout the entire solar project. However, unlike most smaller solar companies, ECG solar’s prices are excellent. The company is happy to work with you to find the right combinations of components that help you get everything you could ever want in a rooftop solar system at a price that won’t make you gag.
Energy Consultants Group, LLC Pros and Cons
Pros
- Local Iowa company
- Great prices
- Unmatched customer service
- Access to tons of tier-one panels
Cons
- Lead times can be lengthy
Energy Consultants Group, LLC Cost, Warranty, & Services
If you prefer doing business with local companies, ECG should be high on your list of solar providers. The company’s prices, customer service, and variety of equipment to choose from are difficult to match.
Average Cost
ECG’s solar systems are typically below the Iowa state average, although your costs will vary depending on your home’s energy usage.
Warranty
The company offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty on equipment, labor, and performance.
Solar Services
ECG can install solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers and offers detailed solar monitoring. The company can also install generators for additional security against long-term power outages.
Financing Options
ECG accepts cash and offers solar loans through its financing partners Green State Credit Union; Service Finance Company, LLC; Decorah Bank & Trust Co.; and Providence Capital. The company also recently began offering PPAs, a somewhat puzzling decision given the solar industry’s current trajectory away from leases and PPAs.
In-House or Contracted Installations
ECG is a full-service solar company that handles the entire installation process internally.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
The company offers an impressive array of equipment from most top solar brands and can probably install solar panels from any brand you request. Its previous solar projects feature equipment from Panasonic, LG, Enphase, Huawei, Sonnen, Solaria, and Seraphim.
Partnerships
ECG is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) for photovoltaic (PV) panel sales and installation.
Purelight Power
Purelight Power is a regional company that serves Iowa, Montana, and Oregon. The company was only founded in 2019, so it doesn’t have the same level of experience as SunPower or ECG. However, in its short time in business, Purelight Power has raised some eyebrows by offering high-quality residential solar installations at competitive prices.
The company carries premium brands like Tesla and SunPower but also offers a host of other tier-one panels. Purelight Power also backs its installations with a reasonable warranty, although we’d like to see a slightly longer workmanship guarantee. Customer reviews of the company are outstanding, and most mention the company’s outstanding customer support as one of the main benefits.
Purelight Power Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great prices
- Excellent selection of top brands
- In-house design
Cons
- Very young company
- Somewhat limited coverage area
Purelight Power Cost, Warranty, & Services
Purelight Power has several Iowa offices in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines, although the company’s website indicates that it has performed installations in a few rural areas as well.
Average Cost
Purelight Power’s solar panels cost slightly less than the average in the state of Iowa, although it depends on what equipment you choose.
Warranty
The company’s solar warranty is competitive but not the best we’ve seen. Its warranty covers parts for 20 years, performance for 25 years, and workmanship for 10 years.
Solar Services
Purelight Power installs solar panels and batteries and offers system monitoring.
Financing Options
Purelight Power accepts cash and solar loans, but its website doesn’t offer any information on loan terms or payment structures.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Purelight Power is an end-to-end solar company, which means it will handle your entire solar project from start to finish. The company takes care of system design, permitting, procuring equipment, and installations in-house.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
One of Purelight Power’s strengths is its vast selection of brands. The company offers equipment from premium brands like Tesla, SunPower, and Enphase and other high-quality manufacturers such as Hyundai, Canadian Solar, SMA, SolarEdge, and Pika.
Partnerships
The company is accredited by the BBB and has been sponsoring NASCAR driver Joey Gase to bring increased awareness of renewable energy to NASCAR’s gigantic fanbase.
ADT Solar
ADT Solar acquired Sunpro Solar in late 2021, marking the home security company’s first serious steps into the commercial and residential solar business. The company’s Iowa presence is focused around the Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Sioux City, and Urbandale areas.
ADT Solar’s main advantage over its competitors is its impressive solar warranty, which covers your entire solar system — panels, inverters, workmanship, and performance — for 25 years. The company also offers a decent selection of services and products from high-quality solar manufacturers. One of the only negatives about ADT Solar is that some reviews mention slow response times from customer support.
ADT Solar Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent 25-year warranty
- Builds on Sunpro’s stellar reputation
- Great choice of products and brands
Cons
- Customer support can be spotty
- A bit expensive
ADT Solar Cost, Warranty, & Services
ADT Solar is not a local Iowa solar company, but it’s still one of the best options available to Iowans, especially if you live in one of its main service areas.
Average Cost
ADT Solar costs are close to the statewide average, although some customers report paying more than they anticipated.
Warranty
ADT Solar’s warranty is among the best in the business. The company backs its solar energy systems with a comprehensive 25-year warranty that covers equipment, labor, and performance.
Solar Services
The company installs solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers and offers occasional energy-efficiency upgrades that keep your system firing on all cylinders.
Financing Options
ADT Solar accepts cash and solar loans.
Specials or Incentives Offered
ADT Solar offers $1,000 to anyone who recommends a friend or family member who eventually signs up with the company.
In-House or Contracted Installations
ADT Solar uses Sunpro’s established infrastructure to offer in-house installations throughout Iowa.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
The company installs solar panels from top brands like LG, Tesla, and Panasonic and uses Enphase microinverters.
Partnerships
ADT Solar has ongoing relationships with Buildpro Roofing Specialists and Energypro Energy Specialists to provide its customers with general contracting and electrical services as needed.
Atwood Energy Services
Atwood Energy Services was founded in 1977 and has been performing solar installations since 2013. The company has a wealth of experience in the energy business that it uses to perform streamlined solar installations for residents throughout Iowa and the midwest.
The company offers some of the best prices for solar installations in Iowa, making it a good choice for Iowans on a budget. Atwood offers high-quality solar equipment from tier-one manufacturers and is a Tesla-certified installer, which means customers have access to Tesla’s high-efficiency solar arrays and leading Tesla Powerwall energy storage solution.
Atwood Energy Services Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent prices
- More than 45 years of experience
- Decent selection of brands
Cons
- Financing options aren’t listed on its website
- Limited services
Atwood Energy Cost, Warranty, & Services
Atwood Energy Services get excellent customer reviews, with most mentioning the company’s high degree of professionalism and communication throughout the installation process.
Average Cost
Atwood Energy’s prices are below average by Iowa standards.
Warranty
The company offers a 10-year workmanship warranty but relies on the manufacturer’s warranty to cover its solar equipment.
Solar Services
Atwood Energy Services installs solar panels and battery backups but doesn’t offer EV chargers. The company is a certified Tesla installer, so customers can choose to go with Tesla’s innovative solar roofing instead of a traditional solar panel array.
Financing Options
The company’s website does not provide information about financing.
Specials or Incentives Offered
Atwood Energy Services offers a $500 referral bonus to anyone who recommends a customer to the company, as long as the person they refer signs up for service.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Atwood Energy Services uses an in-house crew of master electricians and NABCEP-certified installers to perform its installations.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
The company is mainly focused on installing Tesla products but also offers equipment from Fronius, Boviet USA, APS, and Chint Power.
Partnerships
The company is NABCEP-certified and a proud member of Tesla’s solar installer network.
GRNE Solar
GRNE Solar is a regional solar panel company with locations in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Nebraska. The company specializes in midwestern solar installations, and its knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping you design the perfect solar power system to meet your home’s energy needs. Customer reviews of GRNE Solar are generally positive, with many mentioning the company’s outstanding customer support.
GRNE Solar offers a solid range of products and financing options, making it easy for Iowa homeowners to find a solar system and payment plan that works for them. The company’s Iowa office is located in Hills, Iowa.
GRNE Solar Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extensive knowledge of the region
- Good selection of equipment from top brands
- Many financing options
Cons
- Warranty information is lacking
- More expensive than similar companies
GRNE Solar Cost, Warranty, & Services
GRNE Solar has been serving commercial and residential customers throughout the midwest since 2012. The company excels at providing personalized attention and support throughout the installation process and can help you take advantage of Iowa’s many solar incentives.
Average Cost
GRNE Solar prices are slightly above-average.
Warranty
Unfortunately, GRNE Solar’s website doesn’t provide much information about its solar warranty. Warranty information is only available in your installation folder after you begin service with the company, according to the company’s FAQ page.
Solar Services
One of GRNE Solar’s main strengths is the number of services it offers. The company installs solar panels, battery backups, and EV chargers and offers detailed solar monitoring. It also offers options for ballasted array or ground mount panel installations, in addition to the more common rooftop array.
Financing Options
The company accepts cash and solar loans and offers PPAs.
Specials or Incentives Offered
GRNE Solar offers $25 for every person you refer who has a consultation with the company and $500 for every referral you make who signs up with the company for service.
In-House or Contracted Installations
GRNE Solar handles its installations in-house.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
The company carries a decent selection of equipment from top brands like LG, Panasonic, Q Cells, SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius, and Chint Power.
Partnerships
GRNE Solar has several partnerships with local businesses and schools, including a large agreement with the Nebraska Public Power District. The company also employs several NABCEP-certified installers and is a member of the American Solar Energy Society.
Tesla Solar
Tesla made a name for itself in the automotive industry by developing innovative new technologies for electric vehicles and self-driving cars, but the company is also one of the leading solar panel manufacturers. Tesla’s solar panels are extremely efficient, and its innovative solar roofing and solar shingles are best-in-class designs.
Unfortunately, Tesla’s customer support for its residential solar installations is minimal. The company contracts its installations out to third-party installers, and its 10-year workmanship warranty leaves a lot to be desired. The company’s panels are also quite expensive, although it does have a price matching program that makes its systems far more affordable.
Tesla Solar Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-quality solar panels
- Excellent Powerwall storage systems
- Innovative solar roofing
- Price matching makes it cost-effective
Cons
- Expensive at MSRP
- Independent installations only
- Subpar warranty
Tesla Solar Cost, Warranty, & Services
Tesla’s approach to residential solar panels is controversial in the solar industry, but there’s no denying the value the company brings through its advanced technology and innovative designs.
Average Cost
Tesla’s solar systems are more expensive than average if you pay the suggested retail price. However, the company offers price matching, so you can get a Tesla solar installation for a much lower price as long as you get quotes from other companies first.
Warranty
Tesla’s warranty only covers workmanship for 10 years, although it covers its equipment for 25 years.
Solar Services
Tesla offers solar panels, battery storage, EV charging, and solar roofing. Tesla customers can monitor their solar systems through the Tesla app.
Financing Options
Tesla accepts cash and solar loans.
In-House or Contracted Installations
All Tesla solar panel systems are installed by third-party contractors.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
The company only sells its own equipment.
Partnerships
Tesla is accredited by the BBB and has a vast network of installers throughout Iowa and the United States.
Final Verdict: The Best Solar Company in Iowa
In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with any solar provider on this list, but SunPower and Energy Consultant Group stand out as the clear winners. SunPower is the most well-respected company in the solar industry, providing high-quality equipment backed by an outstanding warranty and unmatched experience. The only downside to choosing SunPower is the cost, which is significantly higher than most solar companies in Iowa.
If you prefer to patronize a local business, Energy Consultants Group is the best option. The company offers a staggering array of equipment from the solar industry’s leading brands, and its combination of superlative customer support and low prices is hard to find anywhere else.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Top Iowa Solar Company
If you’re still undecided, don’t worry. The following sections will help you determine what factors are most important to you when choosing a solar company and help you filter out companies that don’t provide the services and support you’re looking for.
Cost of Services & Installation
Unfortunately, solar panel systems are expensive. The upfront costs can prevent some people from purchasing their panels outright, making financing all but required.
Many people don’t realize that solar panels aren’t as expensive as they seem once you consider the savings you will enjoy from reduced electric bills.
Solar panels also increase the value of your home, making it easy to recoup your investment if you ever sell your house.
Additionally, there are several incentive programs at the federal and state level that make it easier for homeowners to install solar panels without as much money needed upfront. While these tax incentives won’t apply to all customers, they can make it easier for some people to afford to transition to solar power.
Equipment and Damages Warranty
One of the most important aspects of a solar company to research before signing any contracts is the warranty it provides. The best solar warranties cover equipment, performance, and labor for 25 to 30 years. Make sure you understand the terms of your warranty before you commit since some warranties won’t cover incidental damage from natural disasters or weather. Virtually every solar warranty will cover wear and tear from ordinary use, and some companies Well Repair and maintain the panels they install throughout their lifetime.
Solar Services Offered
Not every Solar Company will offer every solar service, so make sure to choose a business that provides access to the equipment and services you are looking for. Almost every company will install solar panels, and most will install battery backups, but EV Chargers and system monitoring is less common. The most affordable companies usually offer the fewest Services, while more expensive companies have more solar services to choose from.
If you’re looking for less common services like solar shingles or solar roofing, your choice will be even more limited.
Financing Options
If you can’t afford to pay for your solar system in cash, you’ll need to choose a company that provides solar financing options. Most solar companies handle financing through an independent bank or financing service, although some companies — like Blue Raven Solar — offer in-house financing. Solar loans come in a variety of terms, rates, and down payments, so make sure to shop around and find an option that works well for you.
Solar leases and PPAs are becoming less common since they offer lower lifetime savings than solar loans or purchasing panels outright in cash. While some companies still offer lease options, we recommend avoiding them if possible and choosing a solar loan to maximize the amount of money you save over your system’s lifetime.
Do They Contract Installation?
These days, most solar companies install their systems internally. However, some still rely on independent contractors to perform panel installations. SunPower and Tesla are the two most well-known brands that contract out installations, although SunPower is transitioning to an in-house installation business model. Customer reviews suggest that third-party installations are more likely to run into issues than in-house installations, so we recommend choosing a company that performs its own installations if possible.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
If you want the best solar technology available today, you’ll have to find a company that offers equipment from the industry’s top brands. Maxeon — from SunPower — and Tesla have the best photovoltaic panel technology, according to industry experts. Panasonic, Q Cells, and REC also make high-quality panels that are more than capable of making a serious dent in your monthly utility bills.
Battery storage is another area where the brand matters. Most people recommend using Tesla Powerwall batteries, Enphase Encharge systems, or LG Chem storage.
Rooftop solar installations also require inverters to convert the DC current your panels produce into AC power you can use in your home. Enphase is the leading inverter manufacturer, but SolarEdge and SMA are not far behind.
Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
Before you sign up for service with a Solar Company you should read as many solar reviews as possible from as many independent sources as you can find. Online reviews often reveal aspects of being a customer that you typically would not discover until you become a customer yourself, making them an invaluable resource. Keep in mind that customer reviews may be biased, so don’t base your decision on one review alone.
Industry Partnerships
You should also look for a company that has NABCEP certification or uses NABCEP-certified installers. Membership in SEIA and local solar groups is also a plus since it shows engagement and commitment to the local solar community.
Size of Company
Finally, the size of a company will have a dramatic effect on your experience as a customer. Small companies often provide significantly better customer service than larger companies, although they also usually charge higher prices and have a smaller selection of brands and products to choose from.
Conversely, a large national solar provider will usually be more affordable than a small local one, but its customer service may be less responsive, and you’re unlikely to receive as much personal attention. National solar businesses may also not be as familiar with Iowa solar policies, so you’ll have to do more work yourself, researching what incentives you have access to and making sure you abide by your area’s solar rules and regulations.
Today’s Homeowner’s Solar Companies Rating Methodology
At Today’s Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each solar energy company/service according to our methodology.
Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated all of each solar energy company’s services, costs, and products. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all of the solar energy companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.
We developed a formula to objectively determine the best solar energy companies and give each a score out of 100 based on the following criteria:
- Plan Options (30): Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each solar energy company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
- Services offered (20): How many services are offered in each plan? We looked at whether the company manufactures its own solar panels, whether it contracts out installation, and what additional products each company offers.
- Trust (10): What do customers say after their solar panels are installed? Does this company offer a guarantee? We considered how satisfied customers are post-service if the company does what it says it will, BBB accreditation, and service guarantees.
- Prices (10): How reasonable are the costs of the plan or service in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors that offer the same solar energy services.
- Unique perks (10): Does the company offer discounts or special services such as financial incentives, rebates, or a useful mobile app? We looked for extras each company offers that set them apart from the competition.
- Customer Service (10): How is the customer experience when contacting the company? We considered the speed of response, weekend/holiday availability, and ease of communication through phone calls, email, and online chat functions.
- Nationwide availability (10): How many states does the company offer its services? Companies that operate nationally and in all zip codes are favored over those with limited availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solar worth it in Iowa?
Yes, it is. Iowa isn’t the sunniest state in the country, but it gets more than enough sunlight to make solar panels worthwhile. Iowa residents can also take advantage of the state’s many clean energy incentives to save money on their monthly electric bills, sell energy back to the grid, and lower the upfront cost of purchasing panels.
Does Iowa offer solar incentives?
Iowa has some of the best solar incentives of any state in the country. Iowa doesn’t charge sales tax on rooftop PV systems, saving Iowa residents 6%. The state has also made solar installations exempt from property tax assessments, which means that the value solar panels add to your home won’t be included in the value the state uses to calculate how much property tax you owe.
Several Iowa utility companies also offer net metering programs where customers who generate their own electricity can sell any excess power they generate back to the grid for a credit. Net metering smooths out your savings over the year and helps offset electricity bills during the winter when most solar installations don’t produce enough energy to eliminate your energy bills completely. How much money you save through net metering depends on your local electricity rate.
Iowa residents can also take advantage of the federal tax credit, also called the solar investment tax credit (ITC), to claim 30% of their system’s total cost towards the federal taxes they owe.
Is solar energy efficient in Iowa?
Solar energy is more than efficient enough in Iowa to make investing in solar panels a good decision. Iowa doesn’t get as much sunshine as a sun-soaked state like Arizona, but that only means that you’ll need a slightly larger system than your southern brethren.
How much does it cost to get solar panels in Iowa?
The average price of solar panels in Iowa is approximately $25,000 before the federal tax credit and $18,000 after.
