Best Solar Companies in Des Moines, Iowa

Best Des Moines solar companies

Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most residents’ energy needs.

How we chose the best solar companies in Des Moines

We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in Des Moines, Iowa, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

• Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
• Warranty terms: 20%
• Equipment selection: 20%
• Financing and payment options: 20%

» MORE: Full methodology

We’ve talked to several Iowans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Des Moines residents should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

Solar panel costs in Des Moines

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,920 to $31,200 in Iowa. Prices in Des Moines are comparable, ranging from $11,620 to $33,200.

This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Des Moines’s net metering program.

System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Des Moines household needs a system with a capacity of 10.19 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

Average total solar installation costs by system size in Des Moines

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Is solar worth it in Des Moines?

Solar panels are generally worth it in Iowa if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Des Moines homeowners with solar panels can avoid $46,588 in total utility costs over 25 years.

“We did not have to pay for electricity our first three months, and then we've had a greatly reduced last two months,” Jared in Fairmount told us. “Living here in the Midwest, you catch as much sun as you can in the summer and whatever you can in the winter is kind of gravy.”

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Considering Iowa averages 3.5 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

How to find a reputable solar company in Des Moines

In our experience, the best solar companies in Iowa have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

• Check certifications: In Iowa, solar installations are considered electrical work and must be done under the supervision of an electrical contractor. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
• Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

Going solar in Polk County

Iowa has harsh winters. A good installer will also advise on energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, etc.) to maximize your solar investment's benefits.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Iowa ranked 35th in 2024

Residential solar panel incentives in Des Moines

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Des Moines homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Iowa to maximize savings.

For instance, solar equipment is also 100% exempt from sales tax, and there is a property tax exemption. A solar property tax exemption means that — for tax purposes — the addition of a solar energy system won't cause an increase in your property's assessed value. Essentially, your property tax bill won't go up because solar panels raise your home’s market value.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Des Moines, Iowa. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Des Moines customers were given preference.

Warranties: 20%
A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

Equipment selection: 20%
We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

Financing and payment options: 20%
We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

1. ION Solar
2. ShopSolar
3. Project Solar