Best 3 Solar Companies in Bettendorf, IA

Bettendorf homeowners are privileged to live in plentiful sunlight, both to bask in and harness as energy. Many are hiring top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like wind. A skilled solar installer can help you install and optimize a system that matches your energy needs without costing a fortune. On this page, we'll show you Bettendorf's top solar companies and give insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Bettendorf solar companies.

• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Bettendorf community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Bettendorf solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bettendorf Homeowners?

Iowa homeowners who go solar could qualify for reimbursements, rebates, special financing and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bettendorf

The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Here are some key items to keep in mind while shopping for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

In Iowa, anyone making at least $2,000 per year from non-DIY solar or electrical work is a contractor and must pursue licensure from the Division of Labor. To install solar PV systems, a company will need an electrical contractors' or journeymens' license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Bettendorf

Your solar panels' style will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Bettendorf and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $20,050 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Bettendorf

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. We recommend working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bettendorf.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy