3 Best Solar Companies in Ottumwa, IA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Ottumwa based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Ottumwa, IA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Ottumwa homeowner saves $1,640/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Ottumwa

Looking to go solar but trying to figure out which solar company would be the best one for you? Although it can be hard to choose a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic perks. Since Ottumwa is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're looking into installing solar panels.


There are tons of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Ottumwa.To get free quotes from the top solar companies in Ottumwa, click the "get quote" button below.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Ottumwa

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

True Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: http://truesolariowa.com/
Address: 170 Greenfield Dr Unit D, Tiffin, IA 52340
Phone: 8558732797
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Red Barn Solar dba 1 Source Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.1sourcesolar.com/
Address: 18062 Round Barn Way, Kirksville, MO 63501
Phone: 6603426727
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Iowa Solar Pros

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.iowasolarpros.com/
Address: 2431 Coral Ct #1, Coralville, IA 52241
Phone: 3199290992

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Ottumwa

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Ottumwa based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Ottumwa


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Iowa solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Ottumwa

When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all.There are a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • Incentives: Something that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your utility bills, which can generate an average of $19,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
  • Energy consumption: Solar may be a high-cost option for homes that don’t use a lot of energy a month.
  • How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electricity bills than a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.

As a result of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as various solar incentives, they are a sound investment for most homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Ottumwa

There are several reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them involves some government incentives you can take advantage of.These incentives normally consist of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can cut the cost of going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Ottumwa

One of the best reasons to use solar power is to reduce your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment.A question many people might be wondering about is how much can they really help preserve the environment by switching to solar power anyway? The average person has a rather large carbon footprint. Between their car, which is responsible for over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, and energy for their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Using solar power is a practical thing you can do to help.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good swap for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. For those who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Ottumwa, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best near me?

The highest-rated local solar company in Ottumwa is True Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of going solar?

The advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, 100% erase your electricity bills, raise your home’s value and bring down your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.7 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.