12 Best Solar Companies in Albert Lea, MN (Feb 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Albert Lea based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Best solar companies in Albert Lea
Getting the right solar panel installation company for your home is a big decision, but it's one that can save you a lot of money in Albert Lea. Since Albert Lea is a city where the solar industry is on the rise, it's no wonder you're looking into installing solar panels.
There are plenty 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 Albert Lea. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Albert Lea solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Albert Lea
Local Service
Sisu Solar
-
Can browse portfolio on website - NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services - Solar Panels
Local Service
Viking Electric
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
CEC Electric
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Decorah Electric Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
US Solar - United States Solar Corporation
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Northwood Electric Inc.
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
BlueSky Electric & Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Solar Midwest, Inc. - Solatube Premier Dealer
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
All Energy Solar, Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Go Green Energy
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
American Energy LLC
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Bear LLC
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Makes charitable contributions
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Albert Lea
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to install your system. A few main factors that determine the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can greatly lower, or entirely get rid of, your utility bills. In Albert Lea, you can save an average of $114 a month.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their overall solar costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $18,000 on your energy bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- How much electricity your home consumes: Homes that need a lot of power each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, be more costly, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you're trying to lower your energy bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Albert Lea homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Albert Lea
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is receiving incentives from the government. These incentives usually consist of cash rebates, tax credits and/or performance-based incentives. They can cut how much you pay for going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, visit our our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Albert Lea
Switching to solar energy can have a positive effect on the environment. You may be curious — how much do solar panels help the planet anyway? Regardless of your location, you can help save the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume lots of energy will have a bigger impact. In Albert Lea, the average household can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll likely understand that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Albert Lea, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in Albert Lea?
The highest-rated local solar company in Albert Lea is Sisu Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels call for a large upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending on the amount of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.