Best 4 Solar Companies in Waterloo, IA

With Waterloo's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses hoping to harness the additional sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. If you're contemplating going solar, you might be concerned about high prices or long payback periods. By collaborating with a professional installer, you'll have both the monetary and operational support you need for a successful transition. On this page, we'll showcase Waterloo's leading solar companies and share insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar providers near Waterloo, focusing on the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Waterloo community for over 15 years.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Waterloo solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added 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 Waterloo Homeowners?

Iowa agencies and electric companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Waterloo

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Here are some crucial criteria to bear in mind while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

In Iowa, anyone making at least $2,000 annually 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 recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional 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 Waterloo

The type of solar panels you choose decides how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor provides these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

You can expect to pay about $20,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Waterloo. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Waterloo solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Waterloo

Choosing the right financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each business you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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