16 Best Solar Companies in Columbia Heights, MN (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 in Columbia Heights based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Columbia Heights, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbia Heights homeowner saves $1,595/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia Heights
When deciding on the best solar panel companies, Columbia Heights homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we're here to make making the switch to solar energy less confusing. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with solar panels, you can save about $19,000 on your utility bills.
There are so many installers to choose from, but in this article, we'll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Columbia Heights. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Columbia Heights 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 Columbia Heights
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Greentech Renewables Minneapolis
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
SunShare
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
New Energy Equity - Roseville Office
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Solar Midwest, Inc. - Solatube Premier Dealer
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Renew22
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
EDF Renewables
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Renewable Energy Partners
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
US Solar - United States Solar Corporation
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Clean Energy Economy Minnesota
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Avant Energy, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Bear
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
TruNorth Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Apadana Solar Technologies
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbia Heights
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbia Heights 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 Columbia Heights
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 Columbia Heights
Although solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on utility bills over time, it's necessary to take into consideration the startup costs. Some important factors that determine how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who buy and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their overall solar costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $19,000 on your energy bills over 20 years without incentives.
- The kind of solar panel system you can afford: This hinges on how much you're willing to invest upfront.
- How much electricity your home consumes: Households that consume lots of energy each month may require more solar panels and, therefore, be more expensive, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Thanks to Columbia Heights' relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your electricity bills.
Solar is a profitable investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives, all while helping protect the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Columbia Heights
In an effort to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economical and accessible. When you install a solar panel system on your house, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently reduces your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there may often be some state and city incentives that you can take advantage of to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia Heights
Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a good way to do your part for a greener future. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Columbia Heights, though. No matter where you are, you can help the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that use a lot of energy will have an even bigger impact. While solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Columbia Heights, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, going solar has so many other perks beyond saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the environment too.
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 Columbia Heights, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installation company in Columbia Heights?
The best local solar company in Columbia Heights is Sisu Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, for some, totally cut your electricity bills, raise your home's value and cut back on your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but frankly, 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 efficient is a solar panel system?
Usually, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.
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.