3 Best Solar Companies in Detroit Lakes, MN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Detroit Lakes based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Detroit Lakes, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Detroit Lakes homeowner saves $1,343/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Detroit Lakes
If you’re a home or business owner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in Detroit Lakes, it can be hard to narrow down which company to go with. But, it's worth it since switching to solar energy is often a good choice. While solar panels are a large investment, you’ll be able to make that expense back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $16,000 over 20 years.
As you start your search for the best solar companies in Detroit Lakes, you’ll find that there are a great number of providers to choose from. So, we’ve accumulated an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area.To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in Detroit Lakes, you can click "get quote" 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 Detroit Lakes
Holsen Home Automation & Solar
Reliable Customer Support- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Todavich Electric Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL)
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Detroit Lakes
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Detroit Lakes 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 Detroit Lakes
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 Detroit Lakes
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your panels.The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 0 of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $16,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
- Your income and budget: This affects what kind of solar panels you can purchase.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Detroit Lakes uses a decent amount of, and therefore may save on their energy bills.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than a house with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
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 several factors, such as the angle of your roof and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Detroit Lakes
If you’re planning on switching to solar power, various government incentives and state programs can drastically reduce your project costs and speed up the return on your investment.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other state and city incentives. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Detroit Lakes
A lot of people want to do their part to help the environment, which for many is the main reason for installing a solar system.But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? Something that can severely affect your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive altogether. If you go solar and have an electric car, you can significantly cut back on your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Since solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good swap for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. The advantages of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with using solar energy.
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 Detroit Lakes, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installer in Detroit Lakes?
The top local solar company in Detroit Lakes is Holsen Home Automation & Solar, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Making solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do solar panels have to be replaced?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.