Best 3 Solar Companies in Council Bluffs, IA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Council Bluffs

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Here are some essential aspects to consider while shopping for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

In Iowa, anyone making at least $2,000 per year from non-DIY electrical or solar energy 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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Council Bluffs

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Council Bluffs. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Council Bluffs

Solar providers 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, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. Though it requires 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 second most effective 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 allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options that could save you more.