4 Best Solar Companies in Bemidji, MN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Bemidji based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Bemidji, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Bemidji homeowner saves $1,258/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in Bemidji
On the hunt for the best solar companies in Bemidji? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting venture that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. One of the most compelling reasons residents of Bemidji, where the average energy bill is pretty high, consider going solar is to bring down their monthly bills.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary substantially based on your home’s configuration and your household energy needs.Read on to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected with a certified solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
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 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 Bemidji
Todavich Electric Inc
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Cleaning and Maintenance
Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Holsen Home Automation & Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Nelson Collie Electric
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Bemidji
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Bemidji 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 Bemidji
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 Bemidji
For many readers, the decision of which solar installer to choose comes down to costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $15,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
- The kind of solar panel system you can purchase: This is dependent on how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
- How much power your home consumes: Homes that use a lot of electricity each month may call for more solar panels and, consequently, be more expensive, but will also benefit more over time.
- Your household's power bills: Based on the fairly high monthly electric bills in Bemidji, you could save about $1,100 a year with solar.
Even though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the size of your solar panel system and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Bemidji
If you’re considering switching to solar power, several government incentives and tax credits can greatly bring down your project costs and speed up the return on your investment.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly use the ITC with other local incentives. For detailed information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Bemidji
Making the switch to solar power is a great way to do what you can for a more eco-friendly future.But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? Your energy usage is a key factor to think about. The more energy you use, the bigger your impact when you go solar.Even though solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably lowering the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Bemidji, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. If you care about the environment, you’ll most likely get that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve 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 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 Bemidji, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Bemidji?
In Bemidji, Todavich Electric Inc is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What are the biggest pros and cons of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your electricity bills, it’s environmentally friendly, and it provides a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.