12 Best Solar Companies in Fairmont, MN (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Fairmont based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Fairmont, MN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Fairmont homeowner saves $1,381/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Fairmont
When deciding on the best solar panel installers, Fairmont homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we're here to make switching to solar power that much easier. On average, your family can save $16,000 over 20 years when you use solar power. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be well above that overall.
Here, we'll narrow down some of the top solar companies in Fairmont to make your choice a little bit easier. To help you know if solar panels are worth it for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Fairmont by clicking the button 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 Fairmont
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
Alliant Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Iowa Lakes Electric Co-Op
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
MidAmerican Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
The Solar Store Mankato
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Zinniel Electric Co
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
Crescent Electric Supply Company
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Good Steward Consulting
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Hayward Solar Project
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Minnesota Solar Supply
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Fairmont
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Fairmont 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 Fairmont
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 Fairmont
For many readers, the decision of which solar installer to hire depends on pricing. The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- The cost of electricity in your area: If your local electricity rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll see a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Fairmont, you can save an average of $102 a month on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their overall solar costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $16,000 on your utility bills over 20 years without incentives.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- How much energy you use: If your home needs to use a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from switching to solar.
Solar is a profitable investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives, all while helping protect the planet.
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Solar Incentives in Fairmont
Since solar power is more sustainable than burning fossil fuels, there are some government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. State and city solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Fairmont
There are many reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving money on electricity bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. You may be asking yourself — how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? If your household consumes lots of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar energy. Because solar panels don't release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll most likely recognize that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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 Fairmont, MN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
In Fairmont, CEC Electric is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 11.5 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How long do solar panels last?
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 higher amount 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.