15 Best Solar Companies in Columbus, MN (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Columbus based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Columbus, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbus homeowner saves $1,626/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbus
When you're on the hunt for the best solar companies in Columbus, sifting through so many options can be taxing, but it can pay off since switching to solar energy can offer so many great benefits. Because of Columbus' decent level of sunshine on average, the solar industry has been growing steadily.
The cost of installing solar panels can change greatly depending on your home's framework and your household energy usage. We suggest shopping around to get multiple quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get free, no-obligation quotes from the best solar installers in Columbus, click the link below.
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 Columbus
US Solar - United States Solar Corporation
-
Informative Resources - Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Tailored solutions - Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Cedar Creek Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
TruNorth Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
Solar Angels MN
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
BlueSky Electric, Solar, & EV Charging
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Wolf River Electric Company
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
SunShare
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
New Energy Equity - Roseville Office
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Solar Midwest, Inc. - Solatube Premier Dealer
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
Sisu Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
Everlight Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Apadana Solar Technologies
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Connexus Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Greentech Renewables Minneapolis
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
iSolar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbus
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbus 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 Columbus
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 Columbus
We get that for most homeowners, the choice to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs. The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Your home's power bills: Because of very high monthly power bills in Columbus, you could save about $1,500 a year with solar.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Columbus uses a decent amount of, and as a result may save on their energy bills.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% of your total installation cost, your state or 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 $19,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
- The type of solar panels you want to get: Some have higher prices, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
Due to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as various solar incentives, they are a solid investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Columbus
To increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make switching to solar power more affordable and accessible. There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after paying for a solar panel system. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbus
There are lots of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar energy, like saving money on electricity bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? If your home uses a lot of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar power. Once you go solar, your carbon emissions can be lowered by about 90 pounds every year. For homeowners who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
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 Columbus, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
In Columbus, Cedar Creek Energy is the best 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 roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.8 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How often do solar panels have 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.