3 Best Solar Companies in Baxter, MN (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Baxter based on:

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

Average Baxter homeowner saves $1,365/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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 Baxter

If you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Baxter, sorting through all the options can be taxing, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many great benefits. With an average energy bill of $1,041 per month in Baxter, making the switch to solar energy can decrease your monthly bills by about that much.


If you want to start making use of the many perks of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Baxter solar installer that’s in the right price range for you.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the top Baxter solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.

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 Baxter

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.rreal.org/
Address: 3963 8th St SW, Backus, MN 56435
Phone: 2183017419
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Wolf River Electric Company

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://wolfriverelectric.com/
Address: 101 Isanti Parkway Northeast Suite G, Isanti, MN 55040
Phone: 7632296662
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://www.rarenergy.us/
Address: 531 W Broadway St, Monticello, MN 55362
Phone: 6124307640

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Baxter

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Baxter 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 Baxter


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 Baxter

For many readers, the decision of which solar installer to go with comes down to costs.There are quite a few factors you should consider when trying to figure out costs and your potential savings, such as:

  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
  • Typical energy usage: The more electricity your household consumes on average and the greater your current electricity bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from making the switch to solar.
  • How much energy costs for you: If your local energy rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Baxter, you can save an average of $1,041 a month on your electricity bills.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.

There are many great benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. Plus, it can boost the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

For an estimate of both how much you could save and impact the environment by installing solar panels, you can give the calculator below a try. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Baxter, MN.

{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings{{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }}
Estimated cost{{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}
Estimated incentives{{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }}
Payback period{{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years
CO2 emissions prevented{{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs
Miles driven equivalent{{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.

Solar Incentives in Baxter

One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is earning incentives from the government.Local solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Baxter.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Baxter

Many want to do their part to help protect the environment, which for many is the main motivation to install solar panels.A question many people might be thinking about is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? Switching to solar power is a sustainable choice for the environment, due to the fact that the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation – all of which can be powered by solar instead.In Baxter, the average person can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.

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 Baxter, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best near me?

In Baxter, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.

What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?

Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 16.5 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

When should I put up solar panels?

Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the optimal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it lets you 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.