Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Washington, Iowa. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly respected, employee-owned company based in Dubuque, IA, with a strong reputation across Eastern Iowa. They are known for comprehensive, high-quality installations and exceptional customer service, handling everything from initial design to financing and maintenance.
A leading regional installer headquartered in the Quad Cities, serving Iowa and Illinois. Moxie is known for its professional design team, strong manufacturer partnerships (like Panasonic and LG), and expertise in navigating state and federal incentives for homeowners.
A well-regarded installer based in Cedar Rapids that has expanded its service area throughout Eastern Iowa. They focus on making the solar process straightforward and offer robust monitoring and maintenance services to ensure long-term system performance.
** The home solar market in Washington, Iowa, is characteristic of a mature and growing Midwestern market. While there may not be installers physically headquartered within the city limits, Washington residents have access to several high-quality, regional providers from hubs like Cedar Rapids, the Quad Cities, and Dubuque. The competition is strong among these top-tier companies, which drives a high standard of quality, customer service, and competitive pricing. The average quality of installations is high, with most reputable companies employing NABCEP-certified professionals and offering strong warranties (often 25 years on panels and 10+ years on workmanship). Typical pricing for a residential system before incentives ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt**, meaning a standard 8 kW system could cost between $20,000 and $28,000. However, after applying the 30% federal tax credit and any potential local utility incentives, the net cost is significantly reduced. Iowa's favorable net metering policies and strong sunlight make solar a financially viable and attractive investment for homeowners in the Washington area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Washington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Washington, Iowa.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Washington, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, Iowa offers excellent financial benefits, including a 15% state tax credit (capped at $5,000) on top of the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, you may be eligible for net metering through Alliant Energy, Washington's primary utility, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid, significantly improving payback periods.
Solar panels perform very well in Iowa's climate. While winter days are shorter, panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and snow often melts quickly off their slick surfaces. The abundant sunny days in spring, summer, and fall generate substantial power, with peak production aligning perfectly with high summer air conditioning use. Year-round, Washington receives ample sunlight to make solar a strong investment.
Prioritize installers licensed in Iowa with specific experience navigating Alliant Energy's interconnection process and local Washington County permitting. Choose a provider that offers a strong warranty (25 years on panels is standard) and has a proven track record of installations in the region. It's highly recommended to get multiple detailed quotes and check references from local customers to compare equipment quality, financing options, and projected energy savings.
Alliant Energy offers a net metering program for systems up to 500 kW. Under this policy, your solar system's excess generation is sent to the grid, and you receive a kilowatt-hour (kWh) credit on your bill at the full retail rate. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to build up a bank of credits in sunny months to offset usage during less productive periods like winter, maximizing your system's financial return.
The timeline typically spans 2 to 4 months. After design and contract signing, the installer handles permits from Washington County and the City of Washington, which can take several weeks. Alliant Energy's interconnection application and approval is another key step. Physical installation often takes just 1-3 days, but the final utility inspection and "Permission to Operate" from Alliant are required before you can officially turn the system on.