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Custom Solar Sizing and Installation

Discover the benefits of solar energy and how solar panels can transform your home or business. 

Acme offers solar energy solutions for residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial use. Our local, licensed electricians will size and install a solar array to fit your needs, performing all solar design and sizing work in-house.

Contact us today and request an estimate!

Discover Solar

Since 1950, Acme Electric has provided premium-quality electrical contracting services to Eastern Iowa businesses and homeowners. Over the years, our services have evolved to harness the latest technologies, optimizing costs and maximizing efficiency wherever possible. 

Solar panels are a clean, renewable energy source for reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on your electric bills.

Did You Know?

The carbon emissions offset by our residential and commercial solar installations are comparable to the carbon-reducing abilities of 130,204 trees!

Step 1: Free Assessment 

We’ll come to your home or business to answer your questions, explain the sizing and design process, and discuss your needs. 

Our team will also take measurements and photos, documenting electrical service specifications, so we can begin planning your solar array. 

Step 2: Solar System Design and Review

When we have all the information and measurements we need, we’ll create a design for your solar project. All design work is done in-house, and you’ll have a chance to review the plan in detail to ensure it meets your energy needs and specifications. 

Step 3: Permits, Paperwork, and Agreements  

Once you approve the design, Acme begins filing the paperwork needed to build your solar array. This includes getting the necessary permits and submitting an interconnection agreement to your utility company. 

Step 4: Production 

Acme coordinates the production and delivery of all equipment needed to install your solar panel system. 

Step 5: System Installation 

Our state-licensed electricians come to your home or business to get your solar system up and running. 

Step 6: Ongoing Operations and Maintenance 

We stick around to make sure your system is optimized for production. If you have questions or concerns, we’re just a phone call away! 

Every installation is backed by a parts and labor warranty. This includes: 

  • A 25 to 30-year panel warranty 
  • A 12 to 25-year inverter warranty 
  • A 5-year labor warranty

Ground-Mounted Solar vs. Roof-Mounted Solar

Roof-Mounted Solar Panels 

The most common type of solar panels, roof-mounted solar panels are installed directly on the roof and held in place by solar racking. 

Benefits

  • Generally less expensive than ground-mounted solar 
  • Require fewer materials to install 
  • Labor costs are typically lower 
  • Take advantage of unused space 

Ground-Mounted Solar Panels 

A great option for homes and businesses that lack usable roof space. Ground-mounted solar panels are secured to a rack structure and connected to the ground with steel beams.

Benefits

  • Provide greater control over the orientation of the array to maximize solar production 
  • Easier to access for installation and repair 
  • Equipped with stronger racking 
  • Can produce higher energy output on the ground where panels are cooler 
  • No need to remove panels when replacing the roof 
  • Easier to clean, remove debris, and clear snow

Solar Federal Tax Credit and Other Incentives

When you install a home solar power system, you may be eligible to claim the solar panel tax credit for up to 30% of eligible expenses. Your system must be installed during the tax year, and there’s no maximum amount you can claim. 

Eligible expenses for the solar tax credit include: 

  • Solar PV panels or PV cells 
  • Contractor labor costs for preparation, assembly, or original installation including permitting fees, inspection costs, and developer fees 
  • Balance-of-system equipment including wiring, inverters, and mounting equipment
  • Energy storage devices 
  • Sales taxes on eligible expenses

Store Your Excess Solar Power 

With backup battery storage for your solar system, you can store the excess solar power you produce. Use it during a power outage, during peak hours to reduce your energy bills, or at night to reduce your reliance on the grid.

Solar Energy Solutions by the Numbers

250-400 watts

Energy a standard solar panel produces per hour (Source)

546-874 kilowatt-hours

Energy produced per year (Source)

$50K

Average savings over 25 years after residential solar panel installation (Source)

4 cents

Average cost of solar energy per kilowatt-hour (Source)

$12K-$30K

Average cost of a residential solar panel system (Source)

$250K-$550K

Average cost of solar panel system for a commercial office building (Source)

5%

U.S. electricity that comes from solar energy (Source)

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar

Is solar energy worth it?

The answer to this question depends on your location, energy consumption, and long-term plans. 

If you live in an area with abundant sunlight and favorable government incentives, solar energy may be more cost-effective. Solar can also significantly reduce your energy costs if you regularly have high electricity bills. 

Do you plan to stay in your home for the next 8-10 years? If so, your long-term savings may outweigh the initial costs of installing solar.

Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25-30 years. With proper maintenance and the right environmental conditions, they can last even longer. 

Your solar panels should be high-quality and made with durable materials. Cleaning and inspecting your panels regularly can help prevent damage and ensure optimal performance.

Yes. Tax credits can reduce your federal or state income tax liability. In Iowa, the increase in property value resulting from installing a solar power system is exempt from all associated property taxes for five full assessment years. 

If you’re installing solar panels for agricultural use, you may also qualify for grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for agricultural installations.

The average installation time for a residential solar system is between 1 and 3 days. However, factors like permitting, system design, and roof preparation can take a little extra time. 

Commercial installation times vary based on building size and permits and approvals. On average, commercial solar system installations take anywhere between several weeks to several months to complete.

The average cost to install a residential solar power system is between $12,000 and $30,000. Commercial installations can range between $250,000 and $550,000 for a medium-sized commercial building.

Finance Your Solar Project

With zero-down financing and federal tax credits, your solar power system may be more affordable than you think—and it pays for itself over time. 

Contact Acme for a free estimate!

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