13 Best Solar Companies in Albert Lea, MN (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Albert Lea based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Albert Lea, MN
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Albert Lea homeowner saves $1,531/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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 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

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

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 Albert Lea

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Social Impact
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Good Steward Consulting

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.goodstewardconsulting.com/
Address: 122 W Main St, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: 5075520024
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Hayward Solar Project

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://haywardsolarproject.com/
Address: 137 N Broadway Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: 5073203142
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Northwood Electric Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: https://www.northwood-electric.com/
Address: 97 8th St N, Northwood, IA 50459
Phone: 6413242041
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Austin Electric

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: http://www.austinelectric.net/
Address: 1111 5th Pl SE, Austin, MN 55912
Phone: 5074348080
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Energy LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.americanenergysolar.com/
Address: 50905 320th St, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
Phone: 5073831547
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

The Retrofit Companies, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.retrofitcompanies.com/
Address: 1010 Hoffman Dr NW, Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: 8007951230
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunRackSolar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.sunracksolar.com/
Address: 2508 S 32nd St, Clear Lake, IA 50428
Phone: 5157200463
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

The Solar Store Mankato

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://the-solar-store-mankato.business.site/
Address: 1420 N Riverfront Dr Suite 101, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 7855549249
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Kuntz Electric, Inc.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.kuntzelectric.net/
Address: 1847 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: 5072859658
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Connection

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.solarconnectioninc.com/
Address: 6254 34th Ave NW a, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 5072928400

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Albert Lea

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Albert Lea 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 Albert Lea


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Minnesota 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 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 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

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

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 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.