15 Best Solar Companies in Big Lake, MN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Big Lake based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Big Lake, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Big Lake homeowner saves $1,543/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Big Lake
When choosing between the best solar installers, Big Lake homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power simpler. For many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on how much they can save. The good news is solar can help most homeowners save a considerable amount on their large and increasing energy bills.
Here, we’ll list out some of the best solar companies in Big Lake to make your decision a bit easier.To get an estimate of how much it might cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
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 Big Lake
RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Wolf River Electric Company
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Cedar Creek Energy - Solar Company Minnesota
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
Everlight Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
TruNorth Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
US Solar - United States Solar Corporation
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
Apadana Solar Technologies
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Community Solar Projects
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
SolarPod
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Go Green Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
iSolar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Renewable Solar Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Greentech Renewables Minneapolis
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Sisu Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
BlueSky Electric, Solar, & EV Charging
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Greenway Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Big Lake
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Big Lake 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 Big Lake
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 Big Lake
When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs above all.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- How much energy costs for you: The average family in Big Lake pays around $1,300 a year on electricity alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $18,000 on your utility bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Big Lake doesn’t get a lot of average daily sunlight, your solar system may not be able to produce enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much you can save on your energy bills.
Even though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the size of your solar panel system and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Big Lake
If you’re thinking about switching to solar energy, a number of government incentives and state programs can dramatically bring down the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment.On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level incentives, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can find in Big Lake.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Big Lake
If you’re thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to lower your greenhouse gas emissions.You may be trying to figure out – how much does going solar help the planet anyway? For homeowners and business owners who want to do their part for the planet, switching to solar power is an easy choice, especially since Big Lake produces a very high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar power is abundant and produces electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the environment.
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 Big Lake, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel company in Big Lake?
In Big Lake, RAREnergy - Solar Power Installation Minnesota is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based 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 home 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.