7 Best Solar Companies in Austin, MN (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 7 in Austin based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Austin, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Austin homeowner saves $1,554/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Austin
Are you looking for energy freedom in Austin? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since you can take advantage of a lot of benefits after adopting solar power. Since Austin is a city where the solar industry is on the rise, it's no wonder you're considering installing solar panels.
If you're planning on going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Austin and compare quotes. That's why we did the hard work and came up with a list of the best solar companies so you don't have to. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Austin solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
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
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Austin
Austin Electric
-
Clear Pricing Policy - Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Skilled repairs - Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
American Energy LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Good Steward Consulting
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
The Retrofit Companies, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Home installations
Solar Connection
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Kuntz Electric, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
MiEnergy Cooperative
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Austin
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Austin 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 Austin
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 Austin
For many people, the decision of which solar company to choose depends on total costs. There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine costs and your potential savings, including:
- How much you spend on energy: If your local electricity rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In Austin, you can save an average of $116 a month on your electricity bills.
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Due to Austin's relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your electric bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $18,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
There are lots of great benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Austin
There are lots of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money. These incentives typically consist of cash rebates, tax credits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can reduce the cost you pay for installing solar panels by 30%, upwards of 50% in some cases. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in Austin.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Austin
Many want to do their part for the environment, which often is the prime motivation to install a solar system. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Austin, though. No matter where you are, you can help save the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use more energy will have an even greater impact. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. For people who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
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
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
EcoWatch's Austin, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Austin is Austin Electric, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it's environmentally friendly, and it provides a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels require a significant upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
When should I put up solar panels?
Despite summer being the most common time people install solar panels, the best time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.