8 best solar companies in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, requires a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the leading solar installers in Cedar Rapids.
Before settling on an installer, request recommendations from others, evaluate the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Cedar Rapids or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy lets Cedar Rapids homeowners to save approximately $1,900 per year.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should compare different companies and get quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Cedar Rapids
When looking into Cedar Rapids solar companies, find those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Purelight Power of Cedar Rapids
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Prodigy Power
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ECG Solar Iowa
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True Solar
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Iowa Solar Pros
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Midwest Solar Installers
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Eagle Point Solar
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Sunergy Renewable Systems
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Cedar Rapids?
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Cedar Rapids, can still use solar panels. Key reasons to consider solar include these:
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar lets you decrease your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels takes the place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Cedar Rapids
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cedar Rapids?
According to the results of our survey done in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for add-ons like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
In Cedar Rapids, solar panel installation costs an average of $27,274, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Cedar Rapids?
Installing solar panels calls for considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Cedar Rapids from going solar
In Cedar Rapids, you can anticipate saving money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in Cedar Rapids is approximately 14 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in Cedar Rapids: Based on calculations that leverage data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA, Cedar Rapids homeowners save around $1,943 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save around $29,748 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Cedar Rapids from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 92 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2300 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Cedar Rapids?
There are several solar incentives open to homeowners in Cedar Rapids. Specific programs are applicable to all Iowa residents, while others depend on your utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives available to Iowa residents, as listed by DSIRE.
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | 100% of value added by renewable system |
Sales Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption | 100% of sales tax |
Personal Tax Credit Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit (Personal) | 50% of Federal ITC (15% for 2019 and earlier, 13% for 2020, 11% for 2021, 5% for 2022, 0% for 2023 and later). |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Special Assessment of Wind Energy Devices | Property valued at 0% of the net acquisition cost in the first assessment year, increasing annually by 5 percentage points to a maximum of 30% of the net acquisition cost in the 7th and succeeding years |
Property Tax Incentive Methane Gas Conversion Property Tax Exemption | 100% exemption for 10 years |
Personal Tax Credit Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit | 20% of the Federal Tax Credit, equivalent to 6% of the system cost |
Corporate Tax Exemption Energy Replacement Generation Tax Exemption | 100% exemption for self-generators, landfill gas and wind Reduced rate for large hydro |
Rebate Program Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | All Star Home (New Construction): $500/home Premier Electric Home (New Construction): $200/home Heat Pump Water Heater: $650/unit High Efficiency Electric Water Heater: $75-$150/unit Drain Water Heat Recovery Systems: $450/unit Clothes Washer: $40/unit Clothes Dryer: $20/unit Interior Lighting: $5/fixture Outdoor Lighting: $10-$60/fixture Geothermal Heat Pump: $150-$400/ton Air Source Heat Pump: $200-$300/ton plus $250 bonus Central A/C: $100 Heat Recovery Ventilator: $250/unit |
Rebate Program Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs | Advanced Power Strips: up to $20 Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$800 for existing homes, $180-$480 for new homes Appliance Recycling: up to $50 Central A/C: $150-$600 for existing homes, $90-$360 for new homes Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: Varies Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: $300-$350 for existing homes, $180-$210 for new homes Electric HVAC System Tune-Up: up to $50 Gas Furnace: $180 for existing homes, $80 for new homes Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,320-$1,750 for existing homes, $790-$1,050 for new homes Learning Thermostat: $100 for existing homes, $60 for new homes LED Light Bulbs: In-Store Rebates Online Home Energy Assessment: FREE Room Air Purifier: up to $30 Variable Speed Pool Pumps: up to $220 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Cedar Rapids solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, precipitation and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries conserve extra energy, which can be helpful for ensuring continuous power in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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