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Your Guide to Solar Panels in Minnesota: 7 Steps to Solar Panels in Minnesota
By Dan Simms /
Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Minnesota (2023 Reviews)
In this guide to Minnesota’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:
- What are the best solar companies in Minnesota?
- How can you save money on your home solar system in Minnesota?
- What should you look for in a Minnesota solar installer?
What Are Minnesota’s Top 5 Solar Energy Companies?
Just because Minnesotans experience a below-average 195 sunny days each year does not mean they can’t benefit from solar energy. In fact, the average Minnesota homeowner will save more than $17,546 on lifetime energy costs by installing solar panels.
Under the right circumstances, it can be absolutely worth it to go solar in Minnesota. But with an above-average price per watt, many Minnesota homeowners find themselves paying quite a bit for a comprehensive solar system. The best solar installers in Minnesota are knowledgeable about Minnesota incentive programs and will make sure your solar system suits your unique needs.
The sheer number of solar providers in Minnesota makes finding the right company to install your solar technologies a challenge. Below, you’ll find our in-depth review of the top solar panel companies in Minnesota to help you find the right company to match your solar needs.
- All Energy Solar: Outstanding Regional Installer
- MN Solar and More LLC: Best Twin Cities Metro Installer
- Sun Badger Solar: Great Sustainable Choice
- Winona Renewable Energy: Top Local Installer
- Live Wire Solar & Electric: Solar Veteran
Check out the buttons below for our take on each recommended solar installation company in Minnesota. If you’re ready to gather quotes for your solar project, click below to get started.
All Energy Solar
Outstanding Regional Installer
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Full-service home energy solutions
- Excellent reputation
- NABCEP-certified technicians
Cons
- Expensive
All Energy Solar is among the more experienced solar providers on our list. Since its inception in 2009, All Energy Solar has offered its high-quality services to residential and commercial clients in Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York and Wisconsin.
Customers of All Energy Solar enjoy a variety of benefits, including an experienced installation team with technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), easy access to financial incentives and free quotes to get started.
In addition, All Energy Solar offers monitoring software that allows customers to easily track their solar power systems. The software not only records production and usage, but also communicates any issues to the company right away. This eliminates any guesswork about whether your system is working correctly.
All Energy Solar consultants are knowledgeable about Minnesota’s solar programs and are committed to helping homeowners benefit from every local incentive and rebate program that Minnesota has to offer.
However, All Energy Solar is the most expensive solar system provider on our list, so budget-conscious homeowners may want to gather quotes from our other recommended installers before they choose this company.
Outstanding Regional Installer
Full-service home energy solutionsExcellent reputationNABCEP-certified technicians
Outstanding Local Installer
NABCEP-certified techniciansOffers rewards for customer referralsExcellent reputation
Outstanding Regional Installer
Offers products from leading manufacturersCompetitive pricingRewards customer for referrals
Facts and Figures: All Energy Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Electrical Work, System Monitoring |
MN Solar and More, LLC
Outstanding Local Installer
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Offers rewards for customer referrals
- Excellent reputation
Cons
- Limited service area
- Limited information available on website
- Relatively young company
The MN Solar and More LLC team has been involved in alternative energy production — specifically biomass and wind — since 2003. But after recognizing its potential as a reliable and viable source of clean energy, the company switched gears and formed MN Solar in early 2017.
MN Solar and More serves the local areas surrounding Saint Paul and Minneapolis, which allows the company to focus on what it deems most important — quick response times, efficient installation and stellar customer service.
MN Solar and More offers excellent benefits, including a NABCEP-certified team and free, no-obligation quotes. The company handles every aspect of the solar installation process, which means at no point will subcontractors work on your solar project.
Customers can also take advantage of MN Solar and More’s referral program. If you enjoyed your experience with the company, you could earn money for every neighbor you refer who also chooses to go solar. The company pays out $500 rebate referrals for systems over 10 kilowatts (kW) and $250 for systems below 10 kW.
Because MN Solar only services the Twin Cities Metro, it does have a limited service area in Minnesota. Homeowners who live outside the metro area may need to search for other solar installation options.
Facts and Figures: MN Solar and More, LLC
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| $$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Electrical Work |
Sun Badger Solar
Outstanding Regional Installer
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Competitive pricing
- Offers rewards for customer referrals
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
- Relatively young company
Although it was founded in 2018, Sun Badger Solar has quickly become a premier solar contractor in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. As a full-service solar installer, the technicians at Sun Badger Solar are some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the Northern region.
Sun Badger Solar received the 2022 Sustainability Award from Best Company, which showcases its dedication to a more sustainable environment and the procurement of ethically sourced solar equipment. Only 11 companies have received this award to date.
Despite being a fairly young solar provider, Sun Badger Solar offers many of the same solar perks offered by older, well-established companies. For example, the company’s pricing is competitive and it carries many high-end solar equipment brands (Q Cells solar panels, Tesla, SMA, etc.) with various energy efficiencies. Plus, it provides free consultations with a custom quote to get the ball rolling.
Facts and Figures: Sun Badger Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A- |
| $$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Maintenance & Repairs |
Winona Renewable Energy
Outstanding Local Installer
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Many years of experience
- Excellent reputation
- Outstanding workmanship
- Locally owned and operated
Cons
- Limited service area
- Slightly limited service offerings
Winona Renewable Energy is a solar provider with over a decade of experience and dedication to installing affordable solar panels for homeowners in Minnesota. The company offers its solar products and services to residential, business, nonprofit, government and municipal customers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The team at Winona Renewable Energy handles the entire solar process, including site surveys, quotes and concept design. The company has an experienced, NABCEP-certified team of solar installers and electricians that will ensure your solar panels are installed quickly and correctly. To further prove that this company is worth a call, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) scores Winona Renewable Energy as an A+ company.
The main drawback of the company is the lack of information on its website. Even though the company clearly outlines its solar installation process, financing information isn’t readily available online. In addition, the website doesn’t display available panel brands, nor does it have an easy way to contact the company.
Facts and Figures: Winona Renewable Energy
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels |
Live Wire Solar & Electric
Outstanding Regional Installer
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Many years of experience
- Locally owned and operated
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- Limited information available on website
Live Wire Solar and Electric is a seasoned solar installer in Minnesota. With over 20 years of electrical experience, the company began installing solar in 2009 and has since completed hundreds of solar installations. Live Wire Solar & Electric services are available to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Customers of Live Wire Solar and Electric reap the benefits of its extensive experience in the solar and electrical fields. These include access to specific solar incentives (available by state), competitive pricing, experienced installers (NABCEP-certified) and a free consultation with an expert to get started.
Live Wire Solar also installs community solar systems that can be used by Minnesota renters and homeowners alike. The professionals at Live Wire are among the most knowledgeable about solar incentives and rebates in Minnesota, so they make sure that every homeowner benefits from these money-saving opportunities.
As with many smaller solar installation companies, Live Wire Solar offers limited financing options and mainly sticks to cash payments and solar loans. Homeowners who are interested in other types of solar financing options may need to look elsewhere for an installer.
Facts and Figures: Live Wire Solar & Electric
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| Not Rated |
| $$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Agricultural Solar, EV Chargers, Electrical Work |
How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Minnesota
The price per watt of solar in Minnesota is $2.84, which is above the average price of solar panels in the U.S. Most Minnesotans install a solar system size of 8 kW, so you can expect to pay around $22,720, or $16,813 after the federal solar tax credit.
These figures may be a mere estimate of what your solar system will cost, but there is no hiding that solar panel systems are expensive upfront. Thankfully, there are several incentives, rebates and programs in Minnesota that help to offset costs so that you can start saving money on your energy bill. Below are some tips to help you lower the cost of your solar project.
- Benefit from Minnesota solar incentives and rebates
- Purchase the right type of solar panels
- Chose your system size based on your energy needs
- Go for community solar
Benefit from Minnesota Solar Incentives and Rebates
The upfront cost of solar panels may seem pricey, but the plethora of solar incentives programs offered in Minnesota lightens the financial load. Every installer on our list of top companies has a local branch that knows Minnesota’s solar incentives well, so they can help you see which programs you qualify for.
| Minnesota Solar Incentive | Description |
| Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) | The federal solar tax credit will reimburse you 30% of your solar system purchase. In Minnesota, the average credit is around $6,816. |
| Net Metering Programs | Local Minnesota utility companies will credit any overproduction of your solar panels toward future energy bills. Each utility provider, such as Xcel Energy, has different rules. |
| Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemptions | You will not have to pay any sales tax on your solar equipment and installation due to this tax exemption. |
| Minnesota PACE Program | The Minnesota Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) ensures secure financing for solar equipment so that all Minnesota families have access to solar energy. |
| Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption | Even though solar panels will increase the value of your home, you will not have to pay any property tax on this property increase. |
| Minnesota Local Rebates | Each utility company and city has unique solar rebate programs, so talk to your solar provider to make sure you don’t miss out on these opportunities. |
Purchase the High Efficiency Solar Panels
Minnesota gets below-average days of sunlight each year, so it is not always the best location for solar panels. In the summertime, energy production will not be much of an issue. But in the winter when the days are significantly shorter, you might not produce enough energy to completely offset your energy bill.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid solar energy — it just means you need to invest in high-quality, energy-efficient panels. If you want to get the most out of your solar panels and save more money each month, get the best panels your provider offers.
Higher efficiency panels are more expensive, but these panels will save you more money in the long run and will pay for themselves in just 13 years.
Choose Your System Size Based on Your Energy Needs
You shouldn’t pay for a larger system than you need. Instead, make sure you evaluate your monthly energy consumption to see just how much energy you use. Not every home needs a large 10 kW system, so don’t pay for what you won’t use.
To determine what size solar panel system you need, talk to your solar provider or ask for recommendations when you get a quote.
Go for Community Solar
If you don’t want to pay for your own solar system, or if you are a renter in Minnesota who still wants to save money on your energy bill, you should consider community solar. When you invest in a community solar garden, you still receive discounts on your energy bill without having to pay the high upfront cost of switching to solar.
Minnesota has excellent community solar programs — the state has reached 841 megawatts of operational capacity as of August 2022. To date, the community solar programs have saved Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota more than $2.2 million in energy costs.1 We believe these programs are worth it for anyone interested in saving money via solar energy.
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Minnesota?
Like most home improvement projects, the addition of solar panels will increase the value of your home. According to data gathered from Zillow, the average Minnesota home value is $332,355.2 Most homeowners see a property value increase of about 4.1%, so in Minnesota, you can expect an increase of about $13,626.
Even though your home’s value will increase, you won’t have to pay any extra property taxes. This makes the installation of solar panels an excellent investment for any Minnesota home.
Should Minnesota Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?
Solar panels are expensive, so some homeowners may try to install them on their own. DIY solar installation will save you money upfront, but it can cost you thousands of dollars in the future. If you have debated doing your solar installation yourself, make sure you consider the following before you make your decision:
- You won’t get a workmanship warranty
- Quality installation is important for efficiency
- Your safety is important
You Won’t Get a Workmanship Warranty
The best solar installers offer a workmanship warranty that covers the cost of poor installation or workmanship. Should your panels underperform or be installed incorrectly, a workmanship warranty ensures that the company will cover the cost to fix your solar system. All of our top Minnesota solar companies offer some sort of warranty coverage, so if something goes wrong, you’ll likely be covered.
However, if you install your own panels incorrectly, there won’t be anyone to come to your home to re-install the panels. Instead, you will have to fix the mistakes yourself. If your panels don’t perform and you suspect a product malfunction, the manufacturer might not honor your warranty if it has reason to believe the panels were installed incorrectly.
Quality Installation is Important for Efficiency
If your solar panels are installed incorrectly, the panels may not perform optimally. When your solar panels don’t perform, you don’t harness enough energy to cover your electricity bills. By trusting professional solar installers to set up your solar panels, your panels are guaranteed to work as they should.
Your Safety is Important
Above all, your safety is the most important factor. Unless you have extensive electrical knowledge and solar installation experience, then you are unlikely to be equipped to install your own solar panels. Even the smallest electrical mistake could make your home a fire hazard, so avoid this potential disaster and leave your solar installation to the professionals.
What Should Minnesota Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?
Because there are so many solar panel companies in Minnesota, it’s not always easy to find the right company for your home. As you research our top solar installers, you should pay extra attention to the following features:
- Warranties offered
- Year founded
- Services offered
- Solar panels offered
- Solar pricing and financing
- Industry affiliations
- Size of company
Warranties Offered
The warranty is a critical part of a new solar panel system. For some homeowners, an excellent warranty is non-negotiable. Generally, the best solar companies offer product and workmanship coverage. These cover any damage due to issues with workmanship (such as leaky roofs) or manufacturing (such as a defective panel).
Warranty coverage is essential to ensure peace of mind, and all of our top Minnesota solar installers offer some sort of warranty. The best solar companies — such as Sun Badger Solar and All Energy Solar — offer 25-year production warranties and separate equipment warranties alongside a workmanship warranty.
Year Founded
As with most other trades, solar installers gain a wealth of knowledge and experience from many years in the industry. Due to how solar is booming, several subpar “fly-by-night” companies have popped up around the U.S., making years of experience more and more important.
Although some newer companies — such as MN Solar and More and Sun Badge Solar — are reputable, knowledgeable options, this isn’t always the case. Thus, we pay attention to years of experience when considering companies for our recommendations.
Services Offered
Some solar providers offer additional services besides solar panel installations. For example, solar system monitoring and electrical services are offered by All Energy Solar and MN Solar and More. These extra services can be helpful for Minnesota homeowners, as they eliminate the need to call in a different company should a roofing or electrical-related problem arise.
Solar Panels Offered
Most solar installers offer various solar PV equipment brands, including mid-range and high-end brands. The best solar installers have the materials necessary to handle any solar energy project, no matter how big, small or unique.
Nearly all of our recommended Minnesota solar installers offer a wide array of solar panel brands. All Energy Solar has top-tier Tesla solar panels, for example, and Sun Badger Solar installs quality brands such as Q Cells and Silfab solar panels.
Solar Pricing and Financing
Residential solar energy systems are usually between $10,000 and $25,000, depending on the size of the system. For many homeowners, paying this cost upfront simply isn’t feasible. This is where financing comes in.
The best solar companies offer several solar panel financing options to accommodate various budgets. In addition, these companies often provide competitive pricing. All Energy Solar is the most expensive solar installer on our list, but it does offer several types of financing options and the technicians are knowledgeable about local incentives programs.
Industry Affiliations
One way to tell whether a company focuses on growing the solar industry rather than just growing its profit margin is by looking at industry affiliations. We rank companies higher if they employ NABCEP-certified technicians, are members of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or are associated with local organizations focused on solar access and sustainability.
All of our recommended solar installers have some sort of industry affiliation. All Energy Solar and MN Solar and More clearly state NABCEP industry affiliations, so you can feel confident in choosing either of these companies for your solar project.
Size of Company
The size of a company doesn’t always guarantee quality service, but it can indicate its level of experience, variety of solar panels offered and quality of customer service. Minnesota is unique in that all of our recommended providers are smaller corporations, but each is capable of excellent customer care and offers only the best solar panels on the market.
Methodology: How We Ranked Minnesota’s Solar Companies
When we rank our top solar companies, we start by identifying the factors that matter most to ensure our readers find a trustworthy, reliable and environmentally responsible provider. We’ve listed those factors as categories below. We then weigh these factors against the industry benchmark (a company meeting the industry standard in all categories would earn 4 out of 5 stars in our rating system).
- Solar Services (20%)
- Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications (20%)
- Solar Warranty & Customer Support (15%)
- Solar Financing Options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
- Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Factors (10%)
Our goal is to deliver unbiased reports and honest reviews, thus, our methodology is not affected by commercial partnerships and is specifically tailored to Minnesota homes.
Solar Services
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers: in-house installations, energy storage systems (solar batteries) and home-efficiency audits or upgrades. A company — such as All Energy Solar — can earn bonus points if it offers additional services that we don’t consider essential, including electric vehicle chargers, home thermostats, etc. The industry standard that we measure against includes solar panel and backup battery installations only.
Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it is: NABCEP-certified, has a minimum of 4 stars over its last 100 reviews on Google, an A+ rating with the BBB and 4 or more stars on Glassdoor to reflect employee satisfaction and low turnover rate. We give bonus points for additional certifications, such as LEED or certification with the Building Performance Institute (BPI). We flag a company for further review if it has any track record of lawsuits or customer rights violations.
Energy Solar, MN Solar and More LLC and Winona Renewable Energy all have BBB ratings of A+, and each of these companies employs NABCEP-certified technicians. For that reason, we believe you can trust each of these providers to complete your solar project. Live Wire Solar & Electric may not be rated by the BBB, but it does have trusted NABCEP-certified technicians.
Solar Warranty & Customer Support
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 warranties.
All Energy Solar, Sun Badger Solar and Winona Renewable Energy each offer impressive 25-year warranties, but we do not see such comprehensive coverage from MN Solar and More nor Live Wire Solar.
Solar Financing Options
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers multiple financing options, including in-house options in addition to partner organizations. As many solar companies choose not to offer leases and PPAs in the interest of consumer well-being, we do not dock points for companies that don’t offer them.
All of our recommended Minnesota installers offer solar loan options and cash payment options, but we do not see as many PPAs or solar leases available. Homeowners should keep this in mind as they shop for a solar installer.
Experience
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it has 10+ years of experience installing solar. The industry standard that we measure against is at least five years of experience.
When a company has more experience, it means it has installed more solar panel systems and has a better understanding of home needs in Minnesota. MN Solar and Moreand Sun Badger Solar are new to the solar industry, but the others all have more than 10 years of solar installation experience.
Availability
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers services in the majority of states in the U.S. The industry standard that we measure against on a national level is 20 states.
Unlike many of the other solar companies we review, none of our Minnesota companies meet this standard. The companies reviewed in this guide have been chosen due to specific knowledge of Minnesota and Northern homes. Because Minnesota experiences less sunshine, solar providers must know the solar industry and make recommendations based on Minnesota-specific needs.
Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Factors
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. Sun Badger Solar excels in this category because it received the 2022 Sustainability Award from Best Company, which shows this company’s dedication to a healthy future.
FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Minnesota
Here are some of the more common solar questions we see from Minnesota homeowners here at EcoWatch: If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Yes, solar panel selection matters when selecting a solar installer in your area. Not all solar providers have the materials necessary to handle any project. The best solar providers can handle any project, regardless of how large, small or unique. If you’re looking for a particular solar panel brand, you’ll also want to find a company that offers that specific brand.
Affordability is a defining factor for many homeowners. This emphasizes the importance of great value rates and multiple financing options. If you’re searching for the most affordable solar company in Minnesota, we recommend obtaining quotes from three or more of our top picks.
Many solar providers offer free, personalized quotes, so it likely won’t cost you anything to get accurate quotes from your top choices. Once you have your quotes, compare them to determine which option is most suitable for you and your needs.
All Energy Solar is the largest solar company in Minnesota out of our top picks. The company has around 200 employees across its locations, which surpasses that of the other companies on our list.
During our selection and ranking process here at EcoWatch, we consider all aspects of each solar company we come across in a state. In addition to the criteria we mentioned above, we also pay attention to a company’s Better Business Bureau score and customer reviews. Using all of this information, we score and rank each company based on whether we’ve determined it’s a good fit for homeowners in a certain area.
Yes, your Minnesota utility company is important to consider when selecting a good solar company. Note that some utility companies offer a solar incentive or charge for net metering, which is one of the final stages in the solar process.
Related articles
Top Installers For Minnesota
Comparing authorized solar partners
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
-
- Full-service home energy solutions
- Excellent reputation
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Expensive
A+Outstanding Regional Installer
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