Best 5 Solar Companies in Marion, IA

Marion homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. Solar contractors take a uniquely educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and tune it to their preferences. Discover Marion's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated dozens of Marion solar companies, using the following criteria to choose the best:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Marion solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Marion community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Marion Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Marion

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Consider all of these criteria in your company search.

Licensing and Training

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 a journeymens' or electrical contractors' license. Solar installers can also earn certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Marion

The kind of solar panels you choose dictates how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $20,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Marion. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Marion

Choosing the optimal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you 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. Ask each installer you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased 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