Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Runnells, Iowa. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, regional solar installer known for its comprehensive service from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They emphasize customer education and offer a wide range of financing options, including loans and leases. They are a local leader with strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
A multi-state award-winning solar provider with a strong presence in Iowa. They are known for high-quality, custom-designed solar energy systems and exceptional customer service. Moxie Solar handles the entire process in-house, including consultation, design, installation, and navigating local permits and incentives.
A longstanding, reputable Iowa-based company specializing in both residential and commercial solar projects. They have deep expertise in the local climate and energy needs. MRE Solar is particularly strong in system longevity, maintenance, and offering robust off-grid and battery backup solutions for rural and suburban homes.
** The home solar market in and around Runnells, Iowa, is characterized by a handful of high-quality, regional installers rather than a high volume of national chains or hyper-local single-town operations. The competition is moderate but of high quality, with several well-established companies (like the three listed) competing for business in the greater Des Moines area. These providers are deeply knowledgeable about Iowa-specific incentives, such as the Solar Energy System Tax Credit, and net metering policies from major utilities like MidAmerican Energy. Typical pricing for a residential system in Iowa is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit and any state incentives. This translates to a typical gross cost of $15,000 to $25,000 for a 6-8 kW system, which is common for Iowa homes. The market is mature enough that financing options (loans, leases, PPAs) are readily available, and the focus among top-tier providers has shifted towards integrating battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) for energy resilience against Midwestern storms.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Runnells regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Runnells, Iowa.
Iowa receives ample sunlight for effective solar energy production, averaging about 4.5 peak sun hours per day. While winter snow in Runnells can temporarily reduce output, modern panels are efficient at lower temperatures and can still generate power on cloudy days. Importantly, net metering policies with your local utility, like MidAmerican Energy, allow you to bank summer overproduction credits to offset higher winter usage, making the system viable year-round.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Iowa ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Critically, Iowa offers a strong state tax credit of up to $5,000, which you can combine with the 30% federal solar tax credit. Additionally, Iowa has a 100% property tax exemption for the added home value from solar, and you may be eligible for sales tax exemption on equipment, significantly lowering the net investment.
Yes, you will need to obtain a building permit from Polk County Building and Development Services. The process is generally straightforward for standard rooftop installations, but it's crucial your installer handles it. Runnells does not have restrictive zoning against solar, but if your home is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), Iowa law (Iowa Code § 614.11) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar energy systems, though they can have reasonable aesthetic guidelines.
Prioritize Iowa-based installers familiar with local codes, weather considerations like wind and snow loads, and interconnection processes with MidAmerican Energy. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Always get multiple quotes, check reviews on independent sites, and ask for local references from recent installations in Polk County to assess their work quality and customer service.
Under Iowa's net metering rules, utilities like MidAmerican Energy credit you at the full retail rate for excess energy sent to the grid, rolling over credits monthly with an annual "true-up" settlement. This makes your system highly efficient. However, standard grid-tied systems shut off during a power outage for safety unless you have a dedicated solar battery backup. Given Iowa's seasonal storms, many Runnells homeowners consider adding battery storage for critical backup power.