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10 best solar companies in Des Moines, Washington
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Des Moines. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Des Moines, Washington, requires hiring a solar installer that is properly certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar companies in Des Moines.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and request multiple quotes to determine the right company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Des Moines or select a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows Des Moines homeowners to save $750 on average each year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Before booking your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Des Moines
Focus on Des Moines solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Artisan Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Fair employee wages
- Clear pricing policy
A&R Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolTerra
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
Sun Path Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Omnidian
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
West Seattle Electric and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Puget Sound Solar LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
Sunergy Systems
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Brimma Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sun's Eye Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Northwest Electric and Solar
Galaxy Electric & Solar LLC
Sunset Air
Capstone Wireless Solutions
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Des Moines?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Des Moines, can still use solar power. The primary reasons to switch to solar power are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to supply your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Transitioning to solar lets you decrease your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Des Moines
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 Des Moines?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
According to data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Des Moines averages around $10,925.
How much can you save by going solar in Des Moines?
While solar panel installation can be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Des Moines from going solar
In Des Moines, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Des Moines is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in Des Moines: Based on numbers that leverage data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy, Des Moines homeowners save around $750 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save around $10,641 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Des Moines from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Des Moines?
There are several solar incentives available to homeowners in Des Moines. Specific programs extend to all Washington residents, while others are determined by your municipality, utility company and city.
The following solar incentives are accessible to Washington residents, according to DSIRE:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Payment | FY 2021: $0.02/kWh - $0.10/kWh |
Sales Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption | 100% exemption for sales of forest derived biomass used as fuel; 100% exemption for solar photovoltaic systems 10 kilowatts or less, and solar thermal systems; 75% exemption for other qualified systems |
Green Building Incentive Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard for Affordable Housing | See Website |
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 Des Moines solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to completely 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 acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get similar amounts of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to prevent power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage may increase the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up 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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