14 Best Solar Companies in Brainerd, MN (Mar 2023 Review)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Brainerd based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Solar installers near you
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Brainerd

If you're a home or business owner looking to make the most of the solar incentives in Brainerd, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which company to choose. But, it's worth it since switching to solar power is typically a good idea. Plus, the solar industry is growing in Brainerd, giving homeowners access to some of the most respected solar installers in the country.

In this article, we'll give you a list of the top Brainerd solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's solar energy needs. We advise shopping around for quite a few quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To receive free, no-pressure quotes from the best solar installers in Brainerd, click the link below.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Brainerd

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Solar Midwest, Inc. - Solatube Premier Dealer logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Solar Midwest, Inc. - Solatube Premier Dealer

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.solarmidwest.com/
Address: 5001 Drew Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55429
Phone: (763) 220-2835
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Wolf River Electric Company logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Wolf River Electric Company

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: https://www.google.com/aclk
Address: Isanti, MN, MN MN
Phone: (763) 229-6662
Experienced Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Cedar Creek Energy Corporation logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Cedar Creek Energy Corporation

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Custom system designs
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: http://www.cedarcreekenergy.com
Address: 1285 114th Ave NW Ste 100, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Phone: (763) 432-5261
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Apadana Solar Technologies logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Apadana Solar Technologies

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Custom system designs
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://www.apadanasolartech.com/
Address: 4520 217th Ave Nw, Oak Grove, MN 55303
Phone: (612) 803-9000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
TM Electric LLC logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

TM Electric LLC

  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://www.tmelectricmn.com/
Address: 12950 Devils Lake Rd NW, Brandon, MN 56315-8133
Phone: (320) 808-4669
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Blattner Company logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Blattner Company

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.blattnercompany.com/
Address: 392 Co Rd 50, Avon, MN 56310
Phone: (320) 356-7351
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Sota RV Solar logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Sota RV Solar

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://sotasolar.com/
Address: 1153 McKay Dr NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304
Phone: (763) 639-3584
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Legacy Solar, LLC logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Legacy Solar, LLC

  • Pros icon NABCEP-certified technicians
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.legacysolar.com/
Address: 137 W W 1st Ave, Luck, WI 54853
Phone: (715) 653-4295
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Richards HVAC & Solar logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Richards HVAC & Solar

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://richards-hvac.com/
Address: 28076 Co Hwy 8, Herman, MN 56248
Phone: (218) 585-9712
Experienced Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Rural Renewable Energy Alliance logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Rural Renewable Energy Alliance

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Custom system designs
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.rreal.org/
Address: 3963 8th St SW, Backus, MN 56435-2514
Phone: (218) 947-3779
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Talk Solar logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Talk Solar

  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: http://talksolarenergy.com/
Address: 680 Lincoln Rd, Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Phone: (320) 351-8255
Experienced Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Solar Attic, Inc logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Solar Attic, Inc

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.solarattic.com
Address: 13570 Grove Dr # 361, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4400
Phone: (763) 441-3440
Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon
SunPower logo

Nationwide Service

EcoWatch Rating

Average Cost

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

$ $ $ $ $

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 Technology
ecowatch badge icon
Tesla Energy logo

Nationwide Service

EcoWatch Rating

Average Cost

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-half

$ $ $ $ $

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

Solar Company Ranking Methodology


Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Brainerd

The cost of putting up solar panels has dropped significantly over the past several years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. Some key things that determine the cost and possible savings include:

  • Your energy bills: This will influence how much money you might save. In Brainerd, the average resident can save about $1,200 a year on their electricity bills.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. In addition, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
  • How much energy your home consumes: Households that need a lot of electricity each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, be more expensive, but will also benefit more over time.
  • Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you are interested in getting 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 you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.

Thanks to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a solid investment for the majority of homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Brainerd

To increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal, state and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make going solar more economical and accessible. In addition to the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local programs, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. For more information about incentives for homeowners in Brainerd, visit our our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Brainerd

Many want to do their part to help save the environment, which for many is the main reason for installing a solar system. Something many homeowners might be asking themselves is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? If your household uses lots of energy, you can have an even greater impact on the planet by switching to solar energy. Once you go solar, your carbon emissions can be cut by about 90 pounds every year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll most likely understand that there are many benefits of adopting solar power 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

★★★★★
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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

EcoWatch's Brainerd, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar company is the best near me?

In Brainerd, Solar Midwest, Inc. - Solatube Premier Dealer is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your house.

Are solar panels really eco-friendly?

Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

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

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 11.7 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

What is the efficiency of solar panels?

Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less of them to meet your home's energy needs.

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.

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